



wmm 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

IM^ 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



THE VIKING 



The Viking 



ELWYN A. BARRON 



WITH PREFACE BY LAWRENCE BARRETT 





CHICAGO 
A. C. McCLURG AND COMPANY 



Copyright 

By a. C. McClurg and Co. 

A. D. i88S 



All rights reserved. 



PREFACE. 



"ITI THEN this drama fell into my hands, I 
was at once so attracted by the subject 
and the manner of its treatment that I resolved 
to add the hero to my repertory. But other 
duties came between my purpose and its accom- 
plishment, and I now despair of it altogether. 
It would have given me great happiness to add 
this Northern poet-soldier's figure to that gal- 
lery of my original portraits which numbers 
Lanciotto, King Arthur, Eienzi, Hernani, Lord 
Tresham, Gringoire, and James Harebell. In 
such a company I make no doubt the Viking 
would hold an honorable place. Nor do I de- 
spair of yet seeing the play acted by one or 
other of the gifted tragedians who adorn our 
stage. Indeed, it is this hope that urges me to 
encourage the author to give his drama the 



6 PREFACE. 

impressiveness of print, feeling that by such 
publicity attention will be more readily drawn 
to it. 

While all dramas are best appreciated when 
presented upon their proper arena, the stage, 
there are many which give great pleasure to the 
reader in book form. This story is so engross- 
ing in its love interest, so fascinating in the 
group of characters illustrating that story in 
their lives, so replete with those passages of 
poetical beauty too often sacrificed to the exi- 
gencies of dramatic action, that it will be 
studied by all classes of readers with rising 
interest. 

Dealing with that region whence sprang so 
many of the great romances and dramas, the 
weird and mystical North, this drama depends 
for its attractiveness upon the same means as 
those which the greatest of all dramatists used 
in "Hamlet" and ''Macbeth." 

While we can hardly admit that it was only 
in "days of old" that "knights were bold," we 
cannot deny that where Wagner has led us 
by his original genius into a new appreciation 
of art, as illustrated in the great list of his 



PREFACE. 7 

operas, and where the greatest living prose writ- 
ers have found a fruitful field of inspiration, 
the dramatic poet may look, and gain sympa- 
thetic and wise readers for a play which treats 
of men and women who inhabited the same 
mystical region. 

In welcoming a new dramatist to the Ameri- 
can stage, and in presenting his work with 
whatever value my own hearty endorsement 
may carry, I have a hope that the reading 
public will rate the poem as highly as I do; 
and, above all, that this may be the means of 
drawing such attention to "The Viking" as 
will warrant its production by one of our ac- 
complished actors upon its proper arena, the 
stage. 



LAAVRENCE BARRETT. 



SOUTHBOEOUGH, MaSS,, 

August 4, 1888. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



PIaftiior . . . a young Dane living at the Court of Norway. 

Harold II. . King of Norway. 

Eyvind . . . Uncle and Counsellor to Harold. 

IvAR Cousin to Harold, a rejected lover of Fenja. 

Thord .... A young chief of Hai'old's army, in love with Eysa. 
SwEND .... 27ie aged King of Sweden. 

GuRTii An old Harper. 

Eric Friend and armor-hearer to Hafthor. 

Olip Swend's envoy. 

Fenja Sister to Harold, in love with Hafthor. 

Eysa Friend and companion to Fenja. 

Warriors, Harpers, Dancing Youths, Slaves, Hunters, etc. 
Time, 976 a.d. — Scene, Norway. 



Acts I. and II. — Early Winter. 
III. AND IV. — Early Summer. 



THE VIKING. 



act Ju'St. 

Scene. — A room in the hinges palace^ open at rear, with 
coluvins betiveen lohich hang curtains of skins. Low 
stairway right, door left. Right of centre, fire-place, 
iefore which a couch of skins. At right of first en- 
trance a heavy tapestry-frame, with ivork, before which 
a stool. At left a table with chairs. Gurth sits at 
centre, playing. Fen.ta working at tapestry. Eysa 
reclines on couch. Eyvind sits at table left, with a 
boy cup-bearer standing near, who hands him drinking- 
horn at pleasure. Near the portieres, two or three white 
slaves, bearded men. About the rooin hang trophies of 
war and the chase. At left, a rude statue of Freya, 
the Noi'wegian Venus. Gurth sings and plays with 
attempt at fire and force. 

GURTH. 

" Then strove the beast Grendel, with rage, 
To tear the flesh from Beowulf's throat. 
A fearful terror filled the hall, 
The pale ale flowed upon the floor 
And mingled with the spillen blood 
The horrid beast drew from his veins. 



12 THE VIKING. 

It was great wonder that the hall 
Withstood the shock, nor fell to earth ; 
But builded fast was that good pile. 
The foul wretch knew the viking great 
Would burst the junctures of his bones ; 
And well he saw the end of life, 
And fierce resented his defeat." 

ETViND {interrupting with impatience) . 
Have done ! It hurts me to the heart. By Tyr ! 
There are no skalds in Norway any more — 

\_Seeing Fenja's look. 
Save one. I gi'ant you Hafthor sings right well ; 
But you, dull master — 

FENJA. 

Softly, Uncle. 

EYVIND. 

Well, 
The girl is right. Gray hairs deserve respect. 
And it was not so long ago, 't is true. 
That you had voice to win applause, old Gurth, 
Against a court of gleemen, whose brave tales 
Were wont delight us more than song. Take seat. 
Belike I 'm wrong to chide at age, myself 
So old a child may number off my days. 
But few of us are wise enough, good friend. 
To see in other's aspects what we are. 
Lay off your harp. Take drink. 



THE VIKING. 13 

GURTH. 

I thank you, sir. 

FENJA (coming behind Gurth and placing her hand 

comfortingly on his shoulder). 
Be not concerned for what he says, good Gurth. 
An hundred times I 've heard him praise your skill, 
And rail that younger and less worthy men 
Should put your reverence to blush. 

[Gurth kisses her hand. 

EYSA. 

And I. 

It is a pastime much delights him, — much ; 
He dearly loves to rail, not meaning. 

ETVIND. 

How! 

What's to do I Explained! Excused! Unravelled! 

I put under interpretation ! Death ! 

'T were good, sweet mistress, I change beards with 

you. 
I knew not wisdom loved so smooth a way ! 

FENJA (goi7ig to Eyv^ind). 
Nay, be merry ! I '11 not be ruled by frowns ; 
You know my disposition. 

EYVIND. 

Fro ward minx ! 



14 THE VIKING. 

EYSA. 

How often have I said the same, when she, 

Imperious of birth, has put aside 

A maid's becoming vu'tue, modesty, 

To speak where silence was her debt. 

[Eyvind shows playful resentment of what Eysa 

says. He gently pulls Fenja hy the arm^ luho 

slips down at his knees. 

FENJA. 

You hear? 

EYVIND . 

Thou golden sunlight of my silvered age ! 
The great earth smiling to its gladful rim 
Holds nothing lovelier to sight or sense. 
Well do I know your vu'tues and your worth ; 
And when the gods requite me for my life, 
I still must sorrow leaving thee behind. 

FENJA. 

Far be that hour from us ! Do you not know 
What said the Nornes to my dear mother once, — 
That you should fix a crown about my brow ? 
What crown may I expect but that white wreath 
Our women twine about the virgin dead 
Who step from life when spring is fresh a-bloom ? 

EYSA. 

Oh, there are kings enough where beauty lures. 



THE VIKING. 15 

EYVIND. 

Well said. And hers is beauty for a king. 

FENJA. 

My beauty is a part of me impact, and I — 
\Aside.~\ Though I may wed a king, he sits no 
throne. 

GURTH. 

Sweet lady, you, the daughter of a king. 
And even sister to another — 

FENJA. 

Should hold myself for goodly merchandise ? 
And so I do — if I sell where I like. 

EYVIND. 

The onl}^ likes a loyal subject knows 
Spring from the royal master's will. Take heed I 
Let not your heart be sporting-ground for Love, 
Before the king has tapped him on the back. 

FYS A. 

The king, her father, long since cared for that. 

Er\aND. 
Long since, indeed. That king, my brother, 's dead. 
The king, her brother, reigns ; and I have found 
That ev'ry king is monarch for himself. 



16 THE VIKING. 

The fashion of the sire suits not the son. 
[Eyvind takes drink^ and then arises and goes 
round to Gurth. 

FENJA. 

I do not fear. 

\_Returns to tapestry. 

EYSA. 

Else were you not so bold. 

EYVIND (assisting Gurth). 
Come, time-hurt minstrel, we will hence to eat. 

\_Exeunt. 

FENJA. 

I bold! In what? 

EYSA (looking over Fenja's shoidder) . 

And do you think, Fenja, 
'Tis only love-lit eyes can see Love's trace? 
You like not work, and yet, industrious. 
You bend unwearied to this task. Tell me. 
Is there no special likeness woven here ? 

FENJA. 

I cannot think there is ; and yet, indeed. 
It seems there 's something noble in the face 
I 've noted other where. \^3f using. ^ I cannot 
say. 



THE VIKING. 17 

EYSA. 
Will you weave in the harp ? 

FENJA. 

The harp? What harp? 

EYSA. 

It were not Hafthor, wanting Hafthor's harp. 

FENJA. 

Hafthor ! 

EYSA. 

Hafthor. 

FENJA. 

You see with fancy's eye. 

EYSA. 

Not so. I see with friendship's faithful eye. 

FENJA. 

Then must you own your thought has done me 

wrong ; 
For note you, here are sword and shield and 

spear. 
Are these the servants of the poet's art? 



18 THE VIKING. 

EYSA. 

Alas ! Love locks the heart of confidence, 
Though from the cradle we had been as one. 

FENJA {turning to dismiss slaves, and then caress- 
ing Eysa). 
So shall we ever. You are right, dear friend. 
This frame is but a mirror of my soul ; 
The silvered figure woven there reflects 
The image that I worship in my heart. 
And yet I Ve come to fear mischance of late. 
My brother, whom in double sense I must 
In ev'ry thing obey, looks strange, is harsh, 
Oft hints of plans to benefit the State, 
And turns unkindly eyes where once he liked. 
I know not why, but surely some sad change 
Has fallen on him. What it may portend 
I tremble but to guess. He means, I fear, 
To slight my father's wish, and have me wed 
To serve some reaching purpose of his own. 
I do believe my uncle thinks so too. 

EYSA. 

What reason have you so to doubt ? 

FENJA. 

None clear. 
But when did ever woman's love-tuned heart 
Need reasons to arouse alarm ? We feel. 



THE VIKING. 19 

As tender plants presage the storm, the hurt 
That smiling Fortune means to give. 



EYSA. 

Have cheer. 
We must be sometime anxious of the fate 
That only is the shadow of our ill 
From over-feeding or from over-thought ; 
I 've suffered so. 

FENJA. 

Through love ? 

EYSA. 

Through eating much. 
It weighs upon the mind. But as for love, 
The gods have been most kind to me in that. 

FENJA. 

I knew it ! Tell me how. 

EYSA. 

Why, simply thus, — 
By sealing up my heart against the plague. 



FENJA. 

Sweet scoffer ! But I 'm not so blind. I know 
Your lips are blushing traitors to your heart. 



20 THE VIKING. 

EYSA. 

Then punish them with kisses. Come ! 

[Thokd, dressed as a hunter, enters, 

FENJA (kissing Eysa fondly) . 

You rogue ! 

THORD. 

Proclaim the crime ; let me but know the sin 
That breeds such penalty, and I '11 offend ! 
By iron-handed Tyr ! I hold it wrong 
That I am innocent of cause for that ; 
So punish me for my unfitness. 

FENJA. 

Sir, 
It might be made some fault that you rush in 
Unmannerly upon our peace. 

EYSA. 

Manners ! 
These reckless rovers of the woods are like 
The savage beasts they hunt. 

THORD. 

What think you now ? 
Does she not flatter me to scorn herself ? 

FENJA. 

You mean ? 



THE VIKING. 21 

THORD. 

What else but that in eager chase 
I follow after her good- will. 

EYSA. 

Well said. 
You follow after, truly. You should kuow, 
Ever to follow is ne'er to o'ertake. 

TIIORD. 

Then I '11 mend my pace. 

FENJA. 

Do. 'Twill serve you. 

EYSA. 

There 's equal danger in excess of zeal ; 
Much better you were dull than troublesome. 

THORD. 

But keep yourself from cover, run me fak, 
And I will neither slack nor overleap. 

EYSA. 

And has your forestry not taught you yet 
The hind helps not the hunter ? 

THORD. 

True ; but you — 



22 THE VIKING. 

EYSA (bowing and moving away). 
Be not you deceived ; 
I will not easier be caught than deer, 
Hunt me as you may. 

FENJA (to Thord) . 

Are you come alone ? 

THORD. 

Not lone, though I made foolish haste ahead. 
It seemed an age to me that we were gone ; 
And now I learn it was but ten short days. 

FENJA. 

Let not appearances dismay your heart. 
Time runs no faster in deserted court 
Than in the jocund wood alive with sport. 
You 've heard that said. 

[Etsa looks back, pauses, then exit. 

THORD. 

I well remember once, 
When I had hope to win the silver shield, 
Yet did not drive my arrow through the wand 
The victor pierced, you sought to comfort me. 
" 'Tis not the metal of the shield," said you, 
" That makes the warrior, but the heart beneath." 

FENJA. 

Yes, so I did. What then? Was I not right? 



THE VIKING. 23 

THORD. 

Most right. Yet, ne'ertheless, I grieved my lot, — 
Not for I lost the shield, but missed the mark. 

FENJA. 

Put off your similes and speak your thought. 

THORD. 

I have no wish, fair Fenja, by your leave, 
To gain your further gracious sympathy 
By sending errant shaft for this fond prize. 

FENJA. 

I thought you had some grievous tale to tell. 
You have no need to fear. Be bold ; press on. 
If I know womankind, she loves. 

THORD. 

Is 't true? 
But how to make her own it ? Show me that ! 

FENJA. 

Until you find the way, confess yourself 
No more than half a lover. Tell me, now, 
How fared the hunt ? 

THORD. 

Most royally. 

FENJA. 

Large game ? 



24 THE VIKING. 

THORD. 

The best ; among the lot three monster bears. 

FEXJA. 

Then is the king, my brother, in good cheer? 

THORD. 

As jovial as a monarch should be. Hark ! 
Mark you that strain ? 

FENJA {^lot listening) . 

Yes. 'T is Gurth. He plays 
To please my uncle. 

THORD. 

Let who will be pkased, 
Gurth never played like that. 'T is Haf thor's hand. 

[Fenja sJiows 2^leasi(re. 

THORD (going nj)) . 
I '11 have him hither. [CaZ/s.] Hafthor ! Ho ! I say ! 

HAFTHOR (without). 

What, ho ! 

THORD (calling off) . 
Come hither. 

\_Returning doivn. 
He it was each night 
Made light the day's fatigue and crowned our sport. 
No other equals him for song or tale. 



THE VIKING. 25 

HAFTHOR {enterincj) . 
What noisy rascal calls to stop my play ? 

THORD. 

This lady, sir. 

\Bowing toward Fenja. 

FENJA {piqued). 
Be honest, sir, I pray. 
\_Gets drinMng-horn and offers drink to Hafthor. 

THORD. 

I speak but troth. For am I not your slave ? 
Then what I have is yours, my voice and all. 
So when I call I use your voice ; therefore, 
You call — 

\_Re-enter Eysa and Eyvind. 

HAFTHOR. 

A knavish argument. Fair one, [To Fenja.] 
I would that I might think he spoke your wish. 

FENJA. 

I 'm very glad you are returned. 

HAFTHOR. 

In heart? 

FENJA. 

In truth. 



26 THE VIKING. 

HAFTHOR (kissing Fenja's hand) . 
My dreams have taught me how to read your words. 

EYVIND. 

A pretty courtesy. [To Thord.] Is't not? 

THORD. 

I would all women were as kind. 



EYSA. 



Had all men equal worth. 



They were, 



ETVIND. 

Men are, I think. 
What women make them. 

HAFTHOR. 

Say not so, or else 
The world would teem with loveliness. Good sir. 
Your years may treble mine, yet I have found 
'T is easier to quell a savage beast 
Than rule the disposition of a man. 

EYVIND. 

Brave words, indeed, for look you what they 

mean : 
A wild barbarian Dane, a savage born. 
Made captive in our ocean wars, stands here 
Domesticated to the harp because 
Love rules his disposition ! 



THE VIKING. 27 



HAFTHOR. 



Good Eyvind, 
In one thing let me guide your memory, — 
You somewhat clash the father with the son. 
My father was defeated in your wars, 
And paid the forfeit of his overthrow 
By serving here in Norway that good king 
Who was this lady's sire. But I came, /ree, 
To light my father's cares. I pleased the king, 
Who loved my art, and — since a gentle peace 
Eained flowers 'twixt here and there — I e'en 

stayed on 
When both our sires were dead. 

FENJA. 

You say aright — 
\_A8%de.'\ And might with truth say more. 

EYVIND. 

I do recall 
You were a saucy youth, full of quick pride. 

THORD. 

And full of ev'ry other excellence. 

EYSA {to Thord). 
Then pride 's an excellence ? 



28 THE VIKING. 

THORD. 

When well put on, 
And worn with modest dignity — not scorn ! 

[Thord and Eysa exeunt. 

EYViND {eoming gravely hut kindly forward., talcing 
Fenja's and Hafthor's ha7ids, and standing 
between them looking from one to the other). 

Fair youths, unscarred by care, unmarked by 
grief, — 

The grace of lilies and the strength of oak, — 

You throw some warmth into my frost-touched 
soul. 

And make me think the sad earth beautiful. 

Mind not my words ; you know I love you well, 

Would see you happy, prosperous, content. 

But green ambition heeds not sated age ; 

The king has turned aspiring. 



HAFTHOK. 



EYVIND. 



What mean you ? 



I may not say. 



FENJA. 

Beseech you. Uncle, do. 



EYVIND {to HaFTHOr) . 

If hint will do you service, you must know 
You have an enemy in Ivar, who 



THE VIKING. 29 

Of late, since Fenja slighted off his love, 
Has dripped some poison into Harold's ear. 
The king comes here anon. Methought but now 
I heard the parley of his horn. Sound him. 
Prefer your cause, and mark if all is well. 
Perchance my mind has lost its one time skill 
To sift with nicety the speech of men 
For hidden motives. I may do him wrong. 



HAFTHOR. 

Be sure you do, though I know not your thought. 

But if you think the king esteems me less 

Than in the spring-time of our youthful love, 

'T were good you had a picture of our life 

These ten days gone, when we pursued the chase. 

About the fire at eve, his one delight 

Seemed but to have me near him, list my play, 

Or greedy lend his ear to hear me sing ; 

And far into the night, till Odin's star 

Sometimes began to pale into the dawn. 

He lay with me upon my couch of skins 

To talk of happy days long gone, or beg 

That I would thrill him with strange tales of 

times 
When our great gods were heroes of the world. 
And in such way he told me that his heart 
Enlarged to cherish me in its embrace 
As I were brother to his soul. Think not 
The king has other thought of me than love's ! 



30 THE VIKING. 

EYVIND. 

Hold to your faith, but — try the king. 

HAFTHOR. 

I will, 
If for no other purpose than to chide 
The rank suspicion of uneasy age. 

EYVIND. 

How rich in good opinion of the world 
Are they who have not made then* fortune's trial ! 
[Eyvind sits at table. Presently he sleeps. 

HAFTHOR. 

This little hand in mine throbs as I 've^felt 

A frightened bird. You tremble and look wan. 

You are not ill? 

FENJA. 

Not ill, but boding ill. 
I have a burden weighs upon me here, 
As though a sea of tears had drowned my heart. 

HAFTHOR. 

Sit here. And if I may, I '11 lie at length 
"Where I can upward look to catch the light 
That streams through those clear windows of your 

soul. 
AYhat do you fear? 



THE VIKING. 31 

FENJA. 

Just what my uncle does. 

HAFTHOR. 

Dear heart, the fact and image of young truth, 
Know you what fond confession fills your speech ? 
Know you what my quick-beating heart receives 
In sweet assurance from your fears ? Blush not. 
Turn not your eyes away. The violet 
Has nothing lovelier to woo the gaze. 
You heard what Ey vind did advise ? 

FENJA. 

I heard ; 
And that it was confirmed my fears. 

HAFTHOR. 

Well, then, 
Though I in no wise share your doubts, I '11 speak ; 
But ere I do, sweet Fenja, let your voice 
Pour in my thirsty ears refreshing words 
To seal the testimony of your eyes. 
When your great father lay upon death's couch, 
And saw the fateful Sisters beckon him. 
He called me to his side, and took my hand 
To clasp it in with yours. Nay, do not weep. 
You know what I would say. I '11 not go on. 
Our lives were all but wedded in that clasp ; 
And yet we never have to purpose talked 
Of what I know we both alike have felt, — 
A restful, peaceful, holy love. Answer. 



32 THE VIKING. 

FENJA. 

What question have you put to me ? 

HAFTHOR. 

Fair cheat ! 
What matter words when soul leaps into sound? 
And yet I '11 not leave you excuse to say 
I lacked the valor of my wish. Fenja, — 
What well you know, if I have never said, — 
You are to me the very sum of life, 
The builded and the building joys of youth, — 
A grateful memory and gladsome hope. 
Colder than naked winter were my life 
Stripped of the sunny comfort of your love. 

\A horn sounds. Hafthor ayul Fenja arise. 

HAFTHOR. 

List ! The king draws near. Take thought ; then 

answer. 
Say I may tell to him our mutual love. 
And beg him to endow me with your hand. 

FENJA {yielding to Ids embrace) . 
My soul, which lends herself to you complete, 
Is languid with extreme delight. 

HAFTHOR. 

And mine. 
Made free, swells to a tempest of mad joy. 
My purpose now to wear the pearl I 've won ! 
l^Noise without. Fenja moves away from Hafthor 
to tapestry. 



THE VIKING. 33 

EYViND {waking). 

Hey, now ! Who knocks against my dreams ? The 
king. 

None other has so rude a way with him. 

Remember, Hafthor, as I cautioned you, 

The roughest wooer thrives with fortune best. 

[ wall noise and confusion^ bea7nng bows, spears, 
and imjylements of the chase, enter Harold, 
IvAR, and other hunters. Slaves follow, hearing 
game, ivith ivhich they exeuiit at left, 

HAROLD. 

Where lurks the traitor ? Have him forth at once ! 
Ha ! There he stands without a look of shame, 
And, by my bloody hand, he smiles ! 

HAFTHOR. 

Why not? 
What cause for sadness hangs about my neck ? 

HAROLD. 

Think you, Sir Skald, 't is well to fail your king, 
When he would have your song to chant success. 
And head his hardy hunters coming home ? 

[Flings how on table. 

IVAR. 

I think, good cousin, he sought other game. 
Where the doe runs, the roe — you know the tag. 



34 THE VIKING. 

HAFTHOR. 

I had no part in what wild stuff ye killed ; 
And when ye fell to fighting for your shares, 
I kept along my pace which led me here. 

IVAR. 

Not to bad purpose, either. 

H AHOLD. 

Well, note this, — 
I '11 clip some forfeit from you for the trick. 
[ To slaves. 1 Fetch drink ; and let there be enough. 
AVe thirst. 

CUP-BEARER. 

It is at hand, good Harold. 

HAROLD. 

Friends, fill round. 
There 's nothing better after sport than drink. 
It nerves the weak, makes the poor dullard wise. 
And noble natures emulate the gods. 

\Tlie,y gather at the table. 

IVAR {to Hafthor) . 
Will you not sit with us ? 

HAFTHOR. 

'T is not. Sir Jarl, 
The privilege allowed to me. 



THE VIKING. 35 

HAROLD. 

Make free ; 
He 's nearest to my heart who drinks most mead. 

IV AR {to Hafthor, aside) . 
What ! Say you so, who stand so favored here 
To have the king's fair sister fashion you? 

\_Indicating tapestry. 

HAFTHOR. 

Peace, envious lord. I know you what you are ; 
Your cunning lacks the wit to hide itself. 
I 'd rather have my living heart pierced through 
By gnawing worms, each worm a mortal pang. 
Than have my mind a prey to envy. 

IVAR. 

Gods ! 
Do you dare say this to me ? 

HAFTHOR. 

Do I dare? 

HAROLD. 

Come, Ivar, come ; take place. 

IVAR {to Hafthor). 

You shall repent. 
[Hafthor, contemptuous^ goes to Fenja. Ivar goes 
angrily to place at table. 



36 THE VIKING. 

HAFTHOR {to FeNJA) . 

I see your grief. 'T is very strange indeed 
That your good brother takes no note of you. 
He 's vexed, I know ; but if with me, 'twill pass. 
'T were best that you go hence. But go not far, 
For if occasion offer, I will speak ; 
And if you will, I 'd have you kneel with me 
To give my pleading favor. 

FENJA. 

I will withdraw ; 
But, friend, I think it wise you should not speak, 
At least, not now. Choose out a fitter time. 

HAFTHOR. 

Trust all to me. I will such course pursue 
As judgment points. 

[Fenja moves up stage. 

HAROLD. 

Observe, my valiant friends. 
My father's daughter scorns my father's son. 

FENJA. 

I 've known my father's son more kind. 

HAROLD. 

Most like. 
And there were times, sweet mistress, I recall, 
When king and brother, bridging absence home 
Found cheerful welcome at your hands. 



THE VIKING. 37 

FENJA. 

My hands, 
And better than my hands, my grateful heart, 
Are ever ready for j^our pleased return. 

EYVIND. 

A gentle answer, King. 

IVAR. 

And gracious, too. 
Unless there 's something subtle in that " pleased." 

HAROLD. 

Retire in peace. I '11 speak my love anon. 
I drink this draught to you. 

\JIe boivs and drinks to Fenja, ivho kisses her hand 
to him. 

FENJA. 

There 's a pledge to you 
Until such hour as I may better it. 

[Exit by stairs, 

HAROLD (aside). 
I hardly have it in my heart to dash 
Her gentle nature's hope to earth — yet must. 

[Sits. Hafthor plays his harp softly. 

HAROLD {to EyVIND) . 

Wliat think you of my strong bow ? 



38 THE VIKING. 

ETViND {musingly) . 

'T is nothing ; 
Or else, not such as I would highly praise. 
I do remember, in my lusty youth 
From sweating ash I carved me out a bow 
No two of ye could bend. A goodly bow, 
That bore a shaft would be a spear to-day, — 
No household toy lilie this. 

Ah, well ; Thor lives ! 
The gods cannot be always making men. 
I have some pity of ye. 

[^Drinhs, 

HAROLD. 

Right well said. 
Good uncle. Drink as bravely as you lie, 
And we shall not lack rare entertainment. 

EYVIND. 

It is a foolish knave finds cause for mirth 
In ills or follies of old age. 

HAROLD. 

Drive on ! 
I 'm in the humor to be chid. Be free ! 
Spare not to wound me with a waspish tongue. 
Come, now, throw pointed maxims at my head. 

EYVIND. 

I waste no wisdom on a king in cups. 

The scarecrow Prudence guards my winter's wit. 



THE VIKING. 39 

HAROLD. 

The rein your gray beard shows ill worth. Drink 

more, 
And summer plenty will make prudence stale. 
\To IvAR.] Mark you that tune the wily harper 

plays ? 

IVAR. 

'T is something new to me. 

HAROLD. 

The crafty rogue ! 
He plays it but to work upon my mind. 
Be sure there is some favor he will beg. 

IVAR. 

Prize you this harper? 

HAROLD. 

Dearly as my sword — 
Save for one thing. 

IVAR. 

And that thing is ? 

HAROLD {liilio looks at IvAR intently^ then changes 
manner^ and arising from table, comes foricarcl) . 

Hafthor, 
Your music frets me, though 't is sweetly played. 
My spirit will not drink delight to-day. 



40 THE VIKING. 

HAFTHOR (7'lSing). 

Then is it fit for serious thought, my king. 
By your most gracious leave, I claim your ear, 
Indulgent patron of an humble suit 
That long neglect has served to dignify. 

[Hafthor goes up to stair, calling. 
Come, Fenja, come. 

HAROLD. 

What solemn jest is this? 
[_Aside.^ Does he suspect? AYhat matter? I'm 
resolved. 

\_Enter Fenja, takes Hafthor's hand. 
Besides, who may hold me accountable? 

IV AR (aside'). 
If only this string-clawing, chanting knave 
Were tripped from favor of the king, my way 
Were simple, and my triumph sure. 

HAFTHOR. 

My lord. 
You once knew well your noble father's wish 
For me and this dear maid. I 've waited on 
In hopeful patience these three years that you 
Might please to take some notice of his will. 
But from your mind — like night's dew from a 

brand, 
Beneath the burning passion of the sun — 



THE VIKING. 41 

Remembrance of that time has vanished, 
Sapped by the blaze of your ambition. See. 

[Hafthor and Fenja lineel. 
We pray you call it back again. 

HAROLD {taking Fenja's Jiand) . 
Arise ! 
My father's daughter has no cause to kneel. 
To you, Su- Harper, —keep your knee, — a word : 
When kings show disposition to forget, 
'T were well their slaves leave memory a blank ! 

HAFTHOR (.springing up in anger). 
And do you, then, call Hafthor slave? 

FENJA. 

Hafthor ! 
Provoke him not to anger. 

HAROLD (to Fenja). 

Do not fear. 
The strong need not be angry with the weak 
For blustering. Your uncle waits you there. 
[To Hafthor.] 'Tis true you are no slave; but 

what are you 
To ask the daughter of a king to wife? 
My father was a dotard when he died. 
What have you done to win a royal bride ? 
The royal raiment is the robe that blood 
Of foes empurples. You but sing of war ; 
Win love by slaughter. 



42 THE VIKING. 

HAFTHOR. 

So I will, if let. 
Were I to boast my courage, some do know 
My right to say, ' ' With these unweaponed hands 
I slew the savage beast this coat adorned." 
But I have soul for battle, and a sword 
The king's own hand might proudly grasp ! 
And for my love I challenge who will fight. 

IVAR. 

A beggar's challenge to the noble world. 

[ Comes forward. 

HAFTHOR. 

My sword is royal, be I what I may, 
And has an edge to taste of noble blood. 

HAROLD. 

I pray you lead my sister hence, Ivar. 

IVAR. 

Without an answer to this knave ? 

HAROLD. 

Away. 

FENJA. 

I do implore you, Brother. 



THE VIKING. 43 

HAROLD. 

Vex me not. 
[IvAR and Fenja exQunt. 
[ To Hafthor.] I find you bolder than I thought. 

But note : 
You come upon me when I 'm wrought in mind 
With matters of great moment to the crown. 
I do not care that you are lowly cast, — 
For valor is worth more than high descent, — 
But there are weighty reasons for delay 
That must be balanced, though I lean to you. 
So hold me still in friendship for a week, 
The while these several matters come to head. 

HAFTHOR. 

I take some comfort from your change of speech, 
And will await j^our time ; but on the time 
Be you prepared to speak me fair. 

HAROLD. 

A threat ? 

HAFTHOR. 

If you will understand it so. 

HAROLD. 

How now ! 
Think you 't is wise to fret my good resolve ? 



44 THE VIKING. 

HAFTHOR. 

I think it safe to warn j^our ill intent. 

You've touched the love I bore you with rude 

doubt ; 
And if you play me false — 

HAROLD. 

What will you then ? 

HAFTHOR. 

Prompt 3^ou remember, in the tides of time 
Kings have been held accountable to slaves. 

\_Exit. Hunters rise from table. 

FIRST HUNTER. 

Is not this a villain, mighty Harold? 

SECOND HUNTER. 

Shall he live on who levels threat at you ? 

HAROLD. 

I thank j^ou, friends, for your well meaning. Go ! 
But in no wise do harm or slight to him. 
[Harold waves them away ^ and they go out saluting. 
Harold paces moodily^ observed by Eyvind. 

EYViND {after a pause). 
Much of a man, it seems to me, this skald, 
This yellow-bearded Haf thor. By Baldur ! 



THE VIKING. 45 

I do like him well. \To slave?^ Reach me yonder 

horn. 
Or I mistake, he 's worth a tribe of Swedes. 

HAROLD. 

For harp and rime, I grant you ; not for arms. 

EYVIND. 

That 's not to say for one whose beard is new, 
Whose youthful sinews love the chase, whose eyes 
I 've seen shoot joyous fire, when in high mood 
He sang of glorious battle. Time for him. 
I warrant you will find his veins are filled 
With life-blood of brave foemen doomed to die, 
If chance makes viking of the skald. 

HAEOLD. 

Uncle, 
I well esteem the goodly youth, but know, 
I 'm not too well secured u]Oon the throne. 
The watchful gods have warned me of a foe 
That will o'ertop me, drive me from the land, 
Unless I join another strength to mine. 

EYVIND. 

And what make you from this ? 

HAROLD. 

Is 't hard to read ? 
What foe but Denmark need I fear ? What strength 
But Sweden's may I join to mine ? 



46 THE VIKING. 

EYVIND. 

The gods 
So said? 

HAROLD. 

Unworthy of great Odin's care 
Would be the king incapable to see 
The meaning of the gods in speech so clear. 

ETYIND. 

These Danes have grown the terror of the earth. 

HAROLD. 

The greater glory in o'erwhelming them. 

EYVIND. 

You are resolved? 

HAROLD. 

I 'm sick to death of peace, 
And if the Swedish king will lend me men, 
I '11 fight for pastime. There should never be 
Two Harolds in the world at once ; and him, 
The Harold of the Danes, I long to crush. 

EYVIND. 

When comes your answer from the Swedes ? 

HAROLD. 

I hope 
Before the moon has changed. But come with me. 



THE VIKING. 47 

I have a plan to lay before your views, 
And yet have mind to be where I may rest. 

EYVIND. 

Then lend me here your arm. I find it strange 
Wine ever fills my legs with doubt before 
It mounts into my head. 

HAROLD. 

You drink right well. 

EYVIND. 

I think in all of Norway, young or old, 
There is no man my equal. 

HAROLD. 

You say true. 
\^As they retire.) Hafthor appears .^ centre ., holding 
hack curtain., looking after them. 

HAFTHOR (entering sloivly). 
Belike I was in fault to use rude speech. 
I still have found him frank ; and even now 
His words were creamed with fairness. I was 

wrong. 
And nothing more becomes a man who knows 
His fault than prompt i:©j)airment of the wrong. 
I '11 in, and ask his pardon. 

\_Starts forward as Thord enters hurriedly. 



48 THE VIKING. 

THORD. 

Heard you not 
My call to you ? 

HAFTHOR. 

I heard you not. What 's strange ? 
The color has escaped your face ; your eyes 
Are outward sentinels of fear. Speak out ! 

THORD. 

There 's treachery afoot. Some minutes gone, 
By favoring chance I came where Ivar talked 
With other two of his own breed, of plans 
That seem well under way, the short of which 
Is most important matter to yourself. 

HAFTHOR. 

What said the knave ? 

THORD. 

I overheard him say 
That Harold has made formal overture 
To old King Swend of Sweden to unite 
With him to wage a universal war ; 
And that for bond between them he would give 
His sister Fenja to old Swend for wife. 

HAFTHOR. 

Is 't possible ! I '11 tent him for the truth. 
I '11 drag his lying heart into the light. 



THE VIKING. 49 

TIIORD. 

Rage will avail you nothing. Bide your time. 
Your wits must serve you here. 

[IvAR enters unseen. 

HAFTHOR. 

You 're in the right. 
When treachery puts smiling face to view, 
Honesty's self must wear a false outlook. 
We must use other means than forward rage. 
I have a thought I '11 tell to you anon, 
Wherein if you will aid me I will thrive. 
But swear, my friend, my well-tried, trusted friend, 
That you will hold in silence what I say. 
[IvAR goes to left upper entrance., opens door., and 
beckons. Fenja and Eysa, entering by stairs, 
descend to foot and there stop in surprise, 
Harold comes into view, ivithout his trap- 
pings. 

THORD. 

By all Walhalla's host, I swear ! 

HAROLD {coming forward) . 

Well sworn. 
There must be fealty under such an oath. 
Is it the king's affair you 're pledged to serve ? 

HAFTHOR. 

It was to honor that he pledged himself, — 
That precious amulet with which the gods 
4 



50 THE VIKING. 

Shield manhood from all taint of wickedness. 
How, then, is it affair of yonrs, false friend, 
A counterfeiting king, a trickster, cheat — 



HAROLD. 

By Odin ! I am richer than I knew. 
I 've heard that in the countries of the East 
My brother monarchs entertain their spleen 
With gibe and quip and privileged retort 
Of well-kept fools, who serve no other end. 
But here have I a treasure, who by turns 
Is fool or harper, gleeman or brave skald. 
By all Walhalla's host, as Thord has sworn, 
I 'd not exchange him for a world of slaves. 
[Hafthor Uikes his harp from his back, snatches 
sword from Thord's belt and draws its edge 
across harp-strings, severs them, and flings 
frame aside. 

HAFTHOR {hissing sicord). 
I '11 be a skald no more ! And, oh, ye gods 
That scourge the heavens with your wrathful fires, 
Pour through my torpid veins your burning flood. 
And wake the sleeping warrior in my soul ! 
[To Harold.] If I have been your fool, I'll be 

your scourge, 
And plant such bitterness within your life 
That all your after-years shall not find joys 
To win your heart to laughter. Have your day ; 



THE VIKING. 51 

But, by the oracle within my breast, 
I tell you to 3^our face, I '11 master you ! 

HAROLD {laughing) . 
A prize ! I never knew his worth till now ! 



3[ct Secontr. 

Scene. — A banquet hall. Uncovered oaken table, tmth 
benches along each side, and a chair at either end. 
Walls hung with armor, skins, deer-horns, — a general 
show of barbaric splendor. Scene opens with slaves 
passing in and out, preparing table. In the midst of 
this Eyvind enters, bustling, supervising. Up stage 
a statue of Odin sustaining a spear. 

EYiaxD {to slaves) . 
Be agile, for it lacks but half an hour. 
Make sure there 's drink in plenty. I am told 
These Swedes have most prodigious bellies for 't. 
I know no other virtue that they have ; 
Right well it were we minister to that. 
And bear in mind my charge about the meat : 
Let it come lightly done ; let it run blood. 
I would not have dry flesh served out to them 
For half the value of my nephew's realm ; 
It were not courtesy. And for the mead, 
Give it an extra bounty of hot spice, — 
For so there may be hope to reach their wit. 
But, by my beard ! What ganglot has forgot 
To place a cap of leaves on Odin's spear? 
Know ye not this is a feast of peace ? 
Go you and make amend. All else looks well. 
[While Eyvind is busy, enter Hafthor, closely 
followed by Ivar. 



THE VIKING. 63 

HAFTHOR. 

There can be nothing common 'twixt ns, Sir, 
That takes of pleasant nature or good- will. 

IVAR. 

How know you that before my purpose shows ? 
1 have a wish to make us better friends. 

HAFTHOR. 

You have my answer. 

IVAR. 

All too quickly made. 
Hear first what I would offer, then reply. 

EYViND {coming forward) . 
May strength dwell in your bones, young gentle- 
men ! 
And you, fair master, where have you been hid 
These five days gone ? We 've missed you at the 
court. 

HAFTHOR. 

Am I so fair a figure to the eye 

That my eclipse makes difference at court? 

EY^aND. 

Be that as 't may, the king has asked for you ; 

And if Loki has not got him in hand, 

Hel owns more devils than are known to me. 



54 THE VIKING. 

IVAR, 

'Twixt some wild plans and much excess of drink 
He has indeed become another man. 

EYVIND. 

That might be dured ; but heard you where you 

were 
lYhat goes apace to-day? The Swedes have come. 
Five swinish beasts as e 'er I looked upon. 

IVAR. 

His speech of Swedes denotes an embassy. 
Are you acquainted what their mission is ? 

EYVIND. 

Mission ! Plagues, pestilence, and foul fiends ! 

Lay not a noble office on these churls. 

They come to trade some thousands of their breed 

For our fan- Lady Fenja, — toads for gems ! 

I glory in brave war, but 't is not brave 

To purchase foreign minions at such price. 

IVAR {to Hafthor). 
You see the king has critics of his course. 

EYVIND . 

Were I but young, and of my stamp could choose 
An hundred, he would have opposers too. 

\Exit Eyvind. 



THE VIKING. 55 

IVAR. 

Did you take meaning from our gran'ther's boast ? 

HAFTHOR. 

Since you will not know silence for reproof, 
What is your business with me? 

IVAR. 

Why this ; 
Though you and I have never been dear friends, 
Our fancies have inclined the self-same way — 

HAFTHOR. 

The gods forbid that ever thought of mine 
Should shape its fancy to a like of yours. 

IVAR. 

I speak the less of likes than interests. 
Since friendly speech offends you, I will be 
Direct and plain in what I have to say. 

HAFTHOR. 

And brief. You cannot be too curt of speech. 

IVAR. 

The king's plan to unite the Swedes with us 
By marriage of his sister to old Swend 
Is not more hateful to your mind and mine 
Than 't is to minds of all who learn of it. 
Ton noted how old Eyvi^nd took it now, 
And others I have heard exceed protest. 



56 THE VIKING. 

HAFTHOR {inoving away). 
Your gossip trips my patience. These are things 
That do not rightly please me at your tongue. 

IVAR. 

I might be bold to say, though scorned by her 
In wayward fashion, I prize Fenja, too. 

[Hafthor stops. 
Yet I have other dearer interests : 
I prize ambition loftier than love ; 
I see a pathway to the throne, and you 
Would scorn a kingdom to possess a girl. 
There is one obstacle before us both 
AYhich neither of us can subdue alone. 
Though hating each, we might for profit join. 
The people love you ; I as jarl have force'. 
Together, we could overturn the king, 
And each of us thrive in the thing we like. 

HAFTHOR. 

You would betray the king who is your friend, 
Who puts his trust in you, and holds j^ou dear? 

IVAR. 

Trust is a sort of instrument wherewith 
Fair fortune strikes a balance in affairs 
'Twixt men and men. It is the trusting kind 
That wise men, understanding, shrewdly use 
For their advantage to in part adjust 
Life's inequalities. Will you join me ? 



THE VIKING. 57 

For, let me tell you in yonr ear, that scene 
You had with Harold lately has complete 
Disarmed 3^on of his love. He holds you now 
A thing for laughter and contempt. Be mine, 
And you may make your foolish boast come true. 

HAFTHOR. 

"When that fell genius, Loki, framed himself 

Into the fashion of the graceful snake 

To tempt with scaly beauty Baldur's wife, 

The outraged gods in anger set a seal 

Unrazable within the serpent's eye, — 

A cold and green and shifting light, that tells 

Of restless treachery and ill desire ; 

And whatsoever thing partakes of guile, 

Or man or beast, in its confessing eye 

It bears this baleful, hateful, furtive gleam ! 

I long have known you for a thing to shun, 

But still I thought your sting reserved for foes ; 

I now perceive you of that subtle breed 

We not more fear than loathe. I mark the snake. 

ivAR {angrily). 
If so, beware its fangs. I know your hopes. 
And to the rearward of 3^our pious words 
Detect the shadows of a crafty will. 
Think you j^our acts these five days were un- 

watched ? 
Dull mole ! Impatient for its precious freight. 
Your ship lies rocking in the upland bay. 
Who knows your acts may guess your purpose. 



58 THE VIKING. 

HAFTHOR. 

Spy! 
And by your guess that purpose is ? 

IV AR. 

What else 
But that you mean to play the thief, and 'scape 
With her who is the jewel of the realm ! 

HAFTHOR (coming nearer). 
And what will loyal, faithful Ivar do? 

IV AR. 

You well describe me, for, in truth, I am 
Entirely loyal to my kinsman king, 
And did but seek, pretending else, to provje 
Your metal's quality. I '11 warn the king ! 

HAFTHOR (clutching Ivar 5?/ tJie throat and forcing 

him to his knees). 
Then by the wakeful ravens of sad fate, 
The gaping mouth and starting eyes of death 
Shall speak that warning to him. 

[Fenja, Etsa, and Thord enter pleasantly. 

IVAR. 

Help ! Undo ! 

HAFTHOR. 

I will undo you without help. 



THE VIKING. 59 

FENJA. 

Hafthor ! 
In self -compassion do not this rash thing ! 
\To Thord.] If you have liking for me, stay his 
hand ! 

THORD {to Hafthor) . 
What would you do ? Nay, let him go ! Leave 

off! 
What madman's notion pushed you on to this? 
\_After exertion Thord draws Hafthor aivay. 
IvAR 7Hses icith signs of distress and rage. 

hafthor {to Thord) . 
I 'ra glad to fulness that you came in time, 
Though I may yet regret you came so soon. 
But now you know me, Ivar, have a care ! 
My hate once kindled keeps a constant heat. 

[Thord turns to assist Ivar. 

FENJA. 

Rash Hafthor ! Have you not by this outburst 
Of too long ripe disliking lamed our hope? 

HAFTHOR. 

Whatever chance misfalls, the blame not mine ; 
My only error was some lack of time 
To finish out my wrathful purpose here. 

THORD {to Ivar). 
Are you a little winded, my good lord? 



60 THE VIKING. 

EYSA. 

It seems your face has lost its wonted shade. 

lYAR {retiring) . 
Fret not yonr hearts. The year has many days, 
And patient men find cure for all their hurts. 
There is a medicine to assuage each pain. 

[Exit IVAR. 

EYSA. 

There 's pleasure seeing him in such a plight. 

THORD. 

I do not like his mood. 

FENJA. 

What was the cause ? 

THORD. 

Ay ; how fell you hotbrained two a-quarrel ? 

EYSA. 

I warrant you 't was done in simple love. 

FENJA. 

Be serious, light heart. The case is grave. 

EYSA. 

Nay ; can it be ? 



THE VIKING. 61 

HAFTHOE. 

So grave that you who are 
Confederate must know our care-built plans 
Are fallen out of use. 

THORD. 

By what mischance ? 

HAFTHOR. 

The jealous prying of that swarthy knave 
You have let live to vex me. 

THORD. 

How? He knows? 

HAFTHOR. 

Part knows, and guesses part. 

THORD. 

I '11 after him, 
And plague him to draw sword. An honest fight 
Will serve as well as choking ! 

HAFTHOR {stopping him) . 

Stay ; not so. 
In equal combat you 're as like to trip 
As to bequeath his soul to silence. 
Besides, now that my sober thought has 'scaped 
The rioting of passion, I perceive 



62 THE VIKING. 

Our wiser course should be, concealment gone, 
To lay no trust in Harold's better mood. 
But act as though assured of his denay. 

THORD. 

If I may guess your meaning — 

HAFTHOR. 

I '11 be plain. 
The rumor flies of what the king intends ; 
And even now these emissary Swedes 
Are locked with him in counsel on his schemes, 
Which are, as Eyvind says, and I believe, 
No other than to reinforce his arms 
By mustering allies with Fenja's hand. 
If this be true, and circumstance gives proof. 
We need not wait to know what he will say 
In answer to my well preferred demand. 

FENJA. 

Unless my wish mistakes your backward thought. 
You would propose that our determined flight 
Be now, nor risk the king's uncertain fit? 

HAFTIIOR. 

I did but hesitate to say as much. 
Fearing to see your eyes unfavoring cloud. 
Your question is the sanction of m}'- will ; 
And if your near effects are so disposed 
That you may act upon the sudden call, 



THE VIKING. 63 

We '11 take to liorse, and in this one hour's time 
Be safe within my goodly ship, which waits 
To spread its eager wings for flight. 

EYSA. 

What sport 
To give them so the slip ! I would, sweet wench, 
I might along with you. 

FENJA {to HaFTIIOR). 

I ask but time 
To snatch a jewel that my mother wore. 
And all my future will I yield to 3^0 u. 

{Exit Fenja, left. 

THORD {to EySA). 

If you are willing to take chance with her, 
I will be servant to your wish. Shall we 
Join in our fortunes with their lot ? 

EYSA (^assenting). 

Make haste 
To furnish me with horse. I 'm in the vein 
For spirited adventure. 

[Exit Thord, excitedly. 

HAFTHOR. 

This is brave, 
And drives my pulse into an extra throb 
Of grateful exultation. If no chance 
Misfall across our path, we four are tuned 
For happiness. 



64 THE VIKING. 

EYSA. 

Is it not strange, think 3^011, 
What pleasure 't is to do what we should not ? 
My will to odd caprice is like a leaf 
Puffed by the vagrant breeze. 

THORD {re-entering hurriedly). 

Quick, quick, to horse ! 
The king, riding a race of riot, comes 
With Swedes in mad career across the plain. 

HAFTHOR {going to door and looTzing out) . 
It were not wise to tempt our fortune now. 
We could not gain the ship, and cast her bonds 
Before these wild pursuers ran us down. - 
One hope remains, — that Ivar may not speak 
Before the shadows of to-night descend 
As our convoy to safety. 

[Eysa goes to Thord as Fenja re-enters. 

FENJA {to HaFTHOr). 

All 's prepared. 
Come, let us lose no moment to begone ! 

HAFTHOR. 

Our purpose is cut off ! I fear, fond heart, 
I may not have you peacefully. I fear 
The torrent blood of ruthless war must flow 
To sweep away the barriers that let. 



THE VIKING. 65 

FENJA. 

Is there no other way for love to thrive ? 
My spirit sickens at the thought of war. 
What hap has changed our plan ? 

HAFTHOR. 

Look for yourself. 

THORD. 

I heard you speak of war as your recourse. 
You will not stir the people to rebel 
Against their rightful sovereign ? 

HAFTHOR. 

Not I ! 
My soul knows nothing loathlier in man 
Than will to foster treason in the w^orld. 

THORD. 

Then are you helpless, having no help else. 

HAFTHOR. 

My mind is not without some better hope, — 

For there are arms and hearts I may command, 

In my consanguine Dane-land. If we fail, — 

That is, if Harold answer me at odds, 

And Ivar act upon his cue, — I must. 

Though but the thought of parting chills me 

through. 
Go hence alone, and in the nearest time 
Return with such sure means to gain respect 
As even Harold must perforce regard. 
5 



66 THE VIKING. 

THORD. 

Is it so certain you may tempt the Danes 

To northern battle, when their greed lies south? 

HAFTHOR. 

They looli with envy on the peopled earth 
Not more to ravage than to conquer it, 
And go with gladness where there waits a foe. 
Besides, — for that my father was well versed 
In Runes no less than in the use of arms, — 
The Danish Harold was my mate in youth ; 
And when, before he came to throne and sway, 
AYith heavy heart I said farewell to him, — 
What we have since become were we two then, — 
He swore, while tears stood vouchers in his eyes, 
No time should ever teach him slight my wish. 
Be sure I '11 find an army in Denmark. 

THORD. 

In that event, though 'tis not well to say 

By one who must lift sword to hurt your cause, 

I wish you all success when time is ripe. 

FENJA (coming to Hafthor). 
What will you do if worst befall us now ? 

HAFTHOR. 

That which I told you yester night. 

FENJA. 

Alone ? 



THE VIKING. 67 

HAFTHOR. 

It must be so ~ Nay, I '11 return in time 
To intercept the Swedes and save my bride. 

[Thord joins Eysa. 

FENJA. 

I did not think of peril when I thought 
That I should ride the wintry deep with you ; 
But dangers double if you go alone. 
It is a fearful time of year at sea ; 
Should iEgir rage I tremble what — 

HAFTHOR. 

Fear not ! 
My good ship rides the gale and leaps for joy 
To meet the fury of the storm. Wild winds 
And monstrous waves, fierce bolts of angry flame. 
That make the horrors of a night at sea. 
Are to my ship what music is to you, — 
The soul and spirit of delicious hours. 

FENJA. 

But you ! 

HAFTHOR. 

Upon the bosom of the deep, 
In calm or tempest, ship and man are one. 

FENJA. 

I cannot help but fear to have you go. 



68 THE VIKING. 

THORD. 

They are dismounting, — or, 't were better said, 
They fling themselves from horse, and, by my life, 
The crafty Ivar 's there to greet the king. 

HAFTHOR. 

Fenja, 
When first I looked upon your fair, pale face. 
Now ten years gone, you were a dainty slip 
That swayed uncertainwise between the spells 
Of gu-lish wafture and of woman's cabx!. 
Yet caught into yourself the charm of each. 
You did some kindness for me then that won 
My liking, — though I never thought of love 
Till that wild winter from the tumbled snows 
I chanced to rescue you, and felt your arms 
AVind trustingly about my neck ! 'T was then 
Your father bade me name reward, and I, 
With doubt mixed up in hope, asked for your hand. 
He shot one searching look into your face. 
Then smiled, and bade me wait. Before he died 
He learned to have some joy in our twined loves, 
And free affirmed our troth ; therefore, I hold 
That you are mine against the world, though all 
Were brothers wantonly denying me. Think you 
With me? 

FENJA. 

My heart keeps current by your will ! 
And, if it seem unnatural, 't is true. 
My brother weighs but light against your love. 



THE VIKING. 69 

HAFTiiOR {tciMng serpentine bracelet from his arm). 

My father, dying, left me three great gifts, — 
My ship, a sword invincible, and this — 
And this more precious than the rest, for that 
It holds the wearer faithful to a vow. 
Put forth your arm. Keep this secure, and love 
For me w^ill last. 

[_Clas2:)s bracelet about Fenja's arm. 

FENJA. 

I '11 guard it close, 
As though it held my holy audit. But — 
For, oh, there are forebodings in my soul — 
Leave me not abandoned ; and be you not 
O'er quick to harbor doubts for truth, nor be 
Unfaithful where you ask for faith. 

HAFTHOR. 

Doubt not. 
My life shall be as constant unto you 
As Urd and Skuld to sacred Ygdrazil. 

EYViND (entering hastily^ preceded by a slave) . 

Strike the shield ! Beat up the slaves ! Make 

bustle ! 
Let places swarm with serviceable life ! 
I am betop myself to find such sloth. 
[Exit. Slave takes down shield, and exit, beating. 



70 THE VIKING. 

THORD {coming to Hafthor). 
Have you considered what were best ? 

HAFTHOR. 

My mind is fixed. 



I have. 



THORD. 

This hour may part us, then? 

HAFTHOR. 

If Harold do deny me, — and he will, — 

No course is left me but to quit his court. 

[To Fenja.] The thought of leaving you behind 

is like 
A jagged barb that turns within my heart ; 
And I might not endure it, but a pride 
As masterful as passion fills my mind, 
And numbs the dearer pains. \_To Thord.] A 

needful word ; 
Here are directions how I may be reached. 
The point is fourteen days from here. If aught 
To bear upon my fortune haps, haste j^ou 
To make me known of it. I, in my turn. 
If need arise, will loose with timely charge 
The swift-winged hawk of Fenja's that I have. 

FENJA. 

Good ! 'T would never rest but it should find me. 



THE VIKING. 71 

THORD. 

I will regard your wish in all respects. 

[Thord moves aside, attracted by laughter without. 

HAFTHOR. 

My eyes must speak my soul's good-by to you. 

FENJA. 

E'en though it were my death, I 'd fold my arms 
About your cherished neck, and court your lips. 
[IvAR enters, bows to Thord, and then advances. 

HAFTHOR {to FeNJA) . 

As full of courage as of tenderness. 

IVAR. 

As full of folly as of waywardness ! 
Nay, fall not so apart ; the king is here. 
Cheat not his eyes of so approved a sight. 
[Fenja retires behind the king's chair at table, 
where she is joined by Eysa. 

HAFTHOR (to IvAR) . 

Tempt me no farther to your harm. Be warned ! 
I have a prophecy within my breast 
That fate has chosen me to raze one blot 
From Nature's sullied page of life. 



72 THE VIKING. 

IVAR. 

Next time 

You level at my throat — a dog's death yours ! 

[Hafthor idtlidraws one side. With laughter and 

murmurs of talk., enter Harold, Olif, the 

Swedes and others. Eyvind re-enters. Slave 

restores shield to place. 

HAROLD {entering) . 
And tell old Swend, Sir Olif, how I race. 
I 'm not alone a king by choice and birth, 
But by superior fitness, too ! 



Most true ! 



OLIF. 
OTHERS. 

Ay, ay. A most fit king. 



HAROLD. 

And one who knows to punish and reward. 
Hail, Sister ; and you, merry mistress, hail ! 
Twin flowers to grace my state ! 

FENJA. 

We welcome 3^ou. 

HAROLD {to Olif). 
Take place upon my right ; Ivar, at left. 
The rest of you range where you will, familiar. 



THE VIKING. 73 

Hey, Uncle ! By my head ! I overlooked. 
Take counter seat to mine. "Why came you not 
To council? 

EYVIND. 

For I did the wiser thing 
To stay in judgment with the cooks. 

HAROLD. 

Well thought ; 
And yet I missed 3' our cunning. [To Fen j a.] Sweet 

plaything, 
This day have you weighed equal to the best 
Five thousand warriors that Sweden boasts. 
Are you not proud ? 

HAFTiiOR (aside). 
He then has made the compact. Trust, farewell ! 

OLiF (taking cup from lips) . 
Ay, good King Harold, proud ! 
There is no lesser word. Look how she glows ! 

IVAR. 

And now her head rears up as though 'twere 
crowned. 

\_Laiigliter. 

HAFTHOR (aside). 
Oh, gods ! That they should make her blush 
their jest ! 



74 THE VIKING. 

EYVIND. 

There is upon her brow a crown, Sir Jarl, 
More radiant than gold. 'T is virtue's gift. 

HAROLD. 

None may dispute you, Uncle. 

EYVIND. 

May? None dare. 

HAROLD. 

Come, Fenja, Eysa, women all, bear cups. 
Slaves never should corrupt good wine at feast. 

IVAR. 

Ay. Fenja only shall pour drink for me» 

OTHERS. 

"And me." "Ay, Fenja 'tis." "None else." 
" Come, girl." 

FENJA. 

And shall I then be servant unto all? 

THORD. 

I will omit you. Eysa's cup is mine. 

OLiF {rising liotly). 
And do you play this shame to flout my king, 
That you make minion of his future queen? 
By all the whizzing lightnings — 



THE VIKING 75 

HAROLD. 

You mistake. 
This is no shame, but custom's courtesy. 
The girl is honored, e'en to envy's pitch, 
Who bears her horn the table round at call. 

OLIF. 

Is 't true ? 

EYVIND. 

Most true. 

OLIF {to Fenja) . 

Then pour to me. 

HAROLD. 

Good cheer ! 

EYVIND. 

What was it some one said of " future queen " ? 

CLIP. 

The word was mine. What follows? 

EYVIND {deprecatingly) . 

Tell us you. 

IV AR {to Harold). 
What was agreed? 

OLIF {rising). 

Why, then — 



76 THE VIKING. 

HAROLD (reproving Olif, and rising). 

^ay, by your leave. 

HAFTHOR (aside). 
Now shall we hear dishonor boast itself. 
False clicer, juggling king ! 

HAROLD. 

Norway, good friends, 
Has been so long unstirred by healthful war 
That, like the o'erfed body unemployed. 
She 's sick through very sloth. The chase, the 

dance, 
Some brawls among ourselves, or now, perchance, 
A wrestle with the storms at sea, are all 
The pastimes that have kept us fit for lif§ ; 
While nations all around, to south and east. 
Have swept the earth with conquest and grown 

great. 
But most of these the Danes, a savage horde. 
Have scourged the fruitful islands of the south, 
Subduing monster tribes, and, as I 'm told. 
Have even dared to fix a hostile hope 
Upon that wonderous people housed in Rome. 
[^Murmitrs about table as Harold stojjs to drink. 
Fenja, ivJio has now approached Hafthoe, 
offers horn to him., ivhich he takes, pretending to 
drink. 

FENJA. 

I well-nigh faint through fear for you, brave heart. 



THE VIKING. 77 

HAFTHOR. 

At any clanger threatens me, I smile, 
Armed with your love. Pass on. You are ob- 
served. 

FENJA (2)leading). 
Keep peace, and let us trust a fitter time. 

HAFTHOR. 

I 've seen the king's eye on me. Now 's the time. 

FENJA. 

Farewell. \^Moves away. 

ivAR (to Harold). 
We have a free Dane listening here. 

HAROLD (smiling). 
Free ? Yes. And so the clipped- wing hawk is free. 
I said, good friends, that we are sick for war. 
We want more booty and we want more lands, 
But chief of all we wish to crush the pride 
Of these o'ermastering brute Danes, before 
They turn their evil will on us. So 't is 
That, swelling with a loyal love for ye, 
I have resolved, with great King Swend's avail, 
To swoop upon them in the snow-melt time 
And harry them. In pledge to that brave end, 
Through noble 01 if here, I have espoused 



78 THE VIKING. 

My sister Fenja unto Sweden's lord, 
Whereby we make alliance and gain arms. 
The Tynwald has approved. Does any here 
Hold otherwise ? 

IVAK. 

Who dare oppose your will 
But in contempt of death? 

EYViND (rising). 

Nay, not so bad, 
For one may question with an honest doubt. 
I think we cannot overcome the Danes ; 
But if we need must venture, let it be 
Before the spring, when they are up for war. 

HAROLD. 

We cannot chance till spring, for only then 
Will 8 wend, whom age has stricken heavily. 
Move to his mating. Fenja, you have heard. 
A monarch comes to husband you in spring, 
And will bestow an army for you. Speak ; 
Say how it pleases you. 

FENJA. 

What pleases me 
Might to your hearing bring no pleasant sound, 
Were I to speak it. Pray you leave me dumb. 
Since I must act according to your will, 
Whether for sad or happy doing. 



THE VIKING. 79 

HAEOLD. 

What ! 
Do you not rejoice ? 

OLIF. 

Is she not then proud ? 

EYVIND. 

You will not find her lacking pride. 

HAFTHOR (aside). 

Patience, 
Thou rebel blood upsurging 'gainst my will ! 

HAROLD. 

Do you not rejoice ? 

FENJA. 

Good my brother, think ; 
You must remember there are precious things 
That tenderly take root within the heart, 
And, growing with the years, become a part 
Among its vital fibres. I obey 
Whatever you command my body do ; 
The gods have sole dominion o'er the rest. 

HAROLD. 

The gods make pastime with a love-sick heart. 
Time is the medicine for ills like that. 



80 THE VIKING. 

OLiF {confused). 
I do uot understand — but she obeys. 

IVAR. 

Such fine obedience makes pretty thought ; 
And yet — I 've known simplicity conceal 
A deal of subtle cunning. 

HAFTHOR {starting). 

AYill he prate ? 
Then arm me, resolution, to my course ! 

HAROLD. 

"What is the riddle here ? 

IVAR. 

No riddle, sir — " 

FENJA {to Eysa). 
We are betrayed. 

EYSA. 

There 's nothing yet to fear. 

IVAR {continuing). 
But I have seen a ship prepared to sail, 
And know two guilty lovers — 

HAFTHOR {hotly). 

Tell your lord 
How treason lurks behind a fair aspect, 



THE VIKING. 81 

And smiling murder strokes his friendly hand. 
Omit no part that gives 3^our story life 
Through modest wish to hide your own desert ! 

iVAR (rismg). 
Speak you to me ? 

HAFTHOR. 

I speak to none but you. 
Look to him, Harold ; have a care, or you 
Who practise treachery may feel its sting. 
[IvAR draivs sword and starts forward^ hut is 

checked by Harold, laughing. Half the table 

rises. 

HAFTHOR. 

Nay, let him come. We have embraced before. 

[Thord comes down to Hafthor. 

HAROLD {to IvAR). 

Do you not see he has gone mad through spite ? 
We must not, swording, spoil so rare a jest. 
Come, sit you down. 

IVAR. 

I tell you he 's a knave. 
[Fenja goes to Eyvind, and whispers to him. 

HAROLD. 

Then he shall be our sport. 

[IvAR sits. Harold turns to Olif, whisjoering. 



82 THE VIKING. 

THORD {to HaFTHOk) . 

You peril life 
By this o'erbold display. Look where, all pale 
In trembling terror, Fenja stands and pleads ! 

HAFTHOR. 

My soul 's enraged ; my wits are all at war. 
I know two passions only, — love for her 
And wild desire to full avenge my wrongs. 

THORD. 

Now be restrained ; you are unequal here. 
This Ivar is a jarl, and you — 

IIAFTHOR. 

A man,^ 
Full armed to play the part of man, 
Though death were made the judgment on my act ! 
I tell thee, Harold, though this speech my last — 
[Fenja p/iic^•s Hafthor hy the sleeve. 

EYViND {quickly interrupting) . 

Good friends, 
Let 's have no more of these untimely brawls. 
When we have done our feeding and withdrawn, 
There 's space enough to counter-carve ourselves. 

OLIF. 

Ay, ay. This monstrous mirthful Harold here 
Has told me how yon golden youth can sing, 



THE VIKING. 83 

And give the voice of battle to his harp. 
I fain would hear him. Bid him sing. 



VOICES. 



HAROLD, 

Sir Harper, use your voice. 



A song ! 



FENJA. 

Where is your harp ? 
I will go fetch it that your touch may know 
My fingers have caressed the strings. 

HAFTHOR. 

Dear one, 
You '11 play upon my heart-strings easier. 

\Tlien turning to Thord intently. 
Think you there is a man with bow or spear 
Would raise his arm to injure me? 



THORD. 



FENJA. 

You are the idol of the people all. 

OLIF. 

The song ; why waits the song? 



Not one ! 



84 THE VIKING. 

HAROLD {commandingly) . 

Sing, Hafthor, sing. 

HAFTHOR {to TiiORD and Fenja) . 
If you are right, my course lies straight ahead. 
[Hafthor, taking Fenja by the hand., turns slowly, 

confronting the king. 
I have no song to sing, but right to claim ; 
And since you bid me use my voice, give ear ! 
By royal pledge and her consent, this maid 
Is wedded mistress to my heart, — is mine, — 
And none may take her from me but the gods. 
I see a fury lurks behind your smile. 
And know the folly of my further speech 
In any plea for justice. Your set word 
Has by yourself been broken — you, a king — 

HAROLD. 

That one is only fit to be a king 

Who does not fear to break his plighted word. 

A promise is the coin of policy. 

To be redeemed or not, as wisdom rules. 

HAFTHOR. 

That king is fit for death who would abuse 
His word, though plighted to the meanest slave. 

IVAR. 

A traitor's speech ! 



THE VIKING. 85 

THORD {to HaFTHOR) . 

In Baldur's name, have done ! 

IVAR. 

Let him die for this ! 

OLIF. 

Ay ! Let him die ! 
[Fen J A interposes to shield Hafthor. 

HAROLD (with authoHty) . 

Stop ! 
I will not have it so ! Fenja, remove ! 

[Eysa takes Fenja one side. 
[2b Hafthor.] For that you are a minstrel, we 

forbear 
The harsher judgment to pronounce on you, 
And for the better reason, we were friends ! 
But longer in our realm you may not stay. 
This night, and yet to-morrow morn, be free ; 
From then, beware. Begone ! 

hafthor {throwing off robe, and appearing armed). 

The skald is dead, 
And from his robes the viking leaps to life ! 
The gleaming sword my father's grandsire got 
From Denmark's king, — a royal gift, whose steel 
The gods themselves did forge, — behold, I grasp. 
Though lowly I, yet noble this, divine ; 



86 THE VIKING. 

And, waved above the legions of my land, 
This blade shall raise up armies to my need. 
To follow where I list and do my will. 
I will be gone ; but by great Tyr ! I swear, 
Back to false Norway and her falser king 
With clanging brass and glittering steel I '11 come 
To take the bride her father pledged to me. 
Farewell, fond Fenja. 

FENJA {crying to him). 

Hafthor, fare you well. 

HAFTHOR. 

Be not dismayed by chance. I will return. 

HAROLD {in rage). 
Lay hold on him ! 

\_Several warriors move reluctantly forward^ hut are 
checked by a gesture from Hafthor. 

HAFTHOR. 

Who do are slaves to death. 
No mortal front may stay this brand. Look ye ! 
[^Smites the hanging shield in twain. 

HAROLD. 

Slaves, cravens, do ye shrink ? 
[Harold springs forward ivith drawn sivord, and 
confronts Hafthor. 



THE VIKING. 87 

HAFTHOR. 

Fate frowns ! Make way ! 
My soul is roused for battle, and is glad ! 
\Strikes sivord from Harold's hand, and heating 
right and left, exit quickly. 



act K\}ixti. 



Scene. — Sacred grove. Up centre, surmounting rnde 
stone steps, a statue of Baldur with Hafthor's brace- 
let on arm. At the left a statue of Freya. Between 
them on a stone altar burns a fire. Scene opens ivith 
maidens, attired in white, and youths engaged in a 
quaint dance of ceremonious rejoicing before the altar. 
People pass from left to right, bowing and handing 
flowers to dayicers, loho drop them on and about the 
altar. 

[_Enter Thord and Eysa, following example of 
others^ and then coming front. 

THORD. 

Upon what ground do you refuse ? 

EYSA. 

What ground ? 
An odd request ! I do not wish to wed. 

THORD. 

There should be limit to your wayward wiles. 

EYSA. 

There shall be, when your folly has run out. 



THE VIKING. 89 

TIIOKD. 

I 'm not so scant of wisdom but I know 

Your tongue proves untrue herald of your thought. 

r.YSA. 

Here speaks a gallant lover, in good truth ! 
To tell me flatly that I lie ! If else 
I had no wholesome reason not to wed, 
There 's argument in that. 

THORD. 

Sweet, be content ; 
No better time will come than is at hand, 
With none to hinder us, unless the king, 
And he lends favor. How should we thrive more 
In happiness than wed when Fenja does? 

EYSA. 

There lies the fault. AVere she content to wive, 
You might persuade me follow her glad lead. 
But yonder, all a-weep at heart, she kneels 
Within the templed grove, and prays the gods 
To snatch her from a rightly hated lord 
Who might have wed her granddame. 

THORD. 

She cares not. 
Now that Hafthor is dead, who may possess her. 



90 THE VIKING. 

ETSA. 

How poorly you do know the soul of grief ! 

She holds herself more holy than before, 

And lists a voice speak in her widowed heart 

The only comfort that her mind will take. 

Whatever shuts her from that sad delight 

Is hateful to her. 

\_A black horse., caparisoned., is led past by slaves., 

from left to right , the dancers folloidng. Thord 

and Eysa look after them. 

THORD. 

I, too, pity her. 
It was a grief to me when evil chance 
Brought fame of Hafthor drowned. I loved him 

too. 
We were as bow and arrow, each to each, 
One careless without other. But the time 
Has sped along three months since at our feet, 
With ill report, his spent hawk fluttered down. 
There is a stop to sorrow, howe'er deep ; 
It is no virtue to be always grave. 
A memory of friends lives in our joy 
Not less than in our sadness. 

EYSA. 

Urge no more. 
I will not put my friend to mockery, 
And flaunt my happiness 'fore her despair. 



THE VIKING. 91 

Had Hafthor come again, as he declared, 

And saved her to Mmself , I '11 not deny 

Your pleading might have moved me ; now my will 

Is in assignment to my friend. Let 's go. 

THOKD. 

My henceforth mistress shall be that grim hag 
Whose bed is made of sharp corroding cares, 
And whose gaunt table is by famine spread ! 

EYSA. 

So ! And would you starve in solitude when soon 
You may have chance to perish in brave war ? 

THORD. 

You gird at me beyond fair putting on. 
I will no more be puppet to your jest. 

EYSA. 

Then I '11 amend, and by fair putting on, 
Gird thus — ^Placing her arms over his shoulders.'] 
Now am I free to have my way? 

THOKD. 

So bound, I would with unresisting step 
Be led to mortal torments. 

EYSA. 

So I think 
You will be if you cling to me. 



92 THE VIKING. 

THORD. 

Lead on ! 
If you are Hella changed into this form, 
My soul is willing to be damned. 

EYSA. 

Come, haste ! 
The king and that detested Ivar near. 
I have of late a terror of that man. 

THORD. 

He 's but a wolf that barks at distance. 

A brand puts him to flight. I will not budge. 

EYSA. 

Farewell ! 

THORD. 

Unless it be to go with you. 
[Thord anOi Eysa exeunt. Enter Harold and 
Ivar. 

HAROLD. 

You make an idle jest. 

IVAR. 

I speak the truth. 
Your mad ambition leads you on to war 
That must employ all numbers you can raise. 



THE VIKING, 93 

Cheat me of my desire, deny my will, 
Against the compact fashioned by yourself, 
And from your standard I and mine revolt. 



HAROLD. 

Rebellious cousin, know you not that I, 
By crooking of my finger thus, may sign 
Your mortal quittance of this world? 

IV AR. 

And I 
Need but to eagle plume my helm to have 
An hundred arrows singing toward your heart. 
Call me rebellious, traitor, what you will ; 
Terms are but idle things, and change with states. 
Successful treason gets another name ; 
But I have not the wish to aid your foes. 

HAROLD. 

And yet you say you head a hostile crowd. 

IVAR. 

Five thousand human hunters serve my nod, — 

The equal number of your Swedish horde, 

And worth in battle twice their count. These men 

Whom you have seen in frenzy of the fight 

Inflame mad rage by drinking blood they shed, 

Will aid or balk you as I lead or check. 

Win me, and they are yours ; lose me, — lose them. 



94 THE VIKING. 

HAROLD. 

Then for these years that I have pricked my heart 
In thoughts of love for you, you were my foe ! 

IVAR. 

Indeed, not so. Your friend I was and am ; 

But friendship is a thing commutable, 

And lives by passing to and fro 'tween friends 

Who stand on equal dignity. All else 

Is servile, selfish, base. 

HAROLD. 

What would you have ? 

IVAR. 

I have made known my wish. 

HAROLD. 

Make 't known again. 

IVAR. 

I would possess your sister. 

HAROLD. 

By what means ? 

IVAR. 

Must I forever prattle of the means 

To one, it has been whispered, found a way 

To sate his lonsfino: for a throne ? 



THE VIKING. 95 

HAROLD. 

Mark you : 
Though it has been my mood these sometime years 
To have you play the snarling cur at heels, 
Beware you do not let me feel your teeth. 
Step but beyond your license, and, by Thor ! 
I '11 feed your carcass to the wolves. Speak, now. 

IVAR. 

Well, then, — and I am sorr^^ for my speech, — 
I know your nature proudly irks to share 
The fruits of conquest with an alien king. 
You see in Swend a means ; you like not him. 
And would be grateful for his taking off. 

HAROLD. 

However much a knave, j^ou 're not a fool. 

IVAR. 

I ever hope to hold your good esteem. 

HAROLD. 

And yet I cannot put a stop to Swend 
Without the risk to lose his savages. 

IVAR. 

I have had thought of that among the rest. 

HAROLD. 

Clear-sighted villain ! What then is your plan ? 



96 THE VIKING. 

IVAR. 

When Fenja has been wived to Swencl, the law 

Of ancient custom binds these Swedish dogs 

In loyal deference to her. As queen 

They will regard her, and bethink them bound 

To lend their lives in service to her will. 

The marriage shall go on ; but when 'tis done, 

I have arranged the royal pair attend 

Where some five hundred bowmen of my own 

Engage with others in a mimic war 

To celebrate this royal covenant. 

HAROLD. 

I think I smell your crafty purpose out. 
Some ill-directed arrow shall find rest 
In old unhappy Swend's mistaken heart? 

IVAR. 

There have been such mishaps ere now. 

HAROLD. 

Alas! 
The gracious Baldur died that way. Who knows 
What wayward fate may fashion in an hour ! 
From shrine to tomb there runs a travelled road. 
What careless archer speeds the shaft? 

IVAR. 

A man 

Who shot against the sun one time, and pierced 
The very centre of a flying dove. 



THE VIKING. 97 

HAROLD. 

Yourself ! Well chosen. In affairs like this 

'T is dangerous to bungle. You have eyes 

The wary hawk might covet, and a nerve 

As hardy as well-seasoned oak. 'T is done. 

Old Swend is dead ; and to your hand I owe 

The undivided glory that I see 

Across the wooing waves where Denmark shines ! 

IVAR. 

And my reward ? 

HAROLD. 

I had forgot. Rejoice ; 
She shall be yours. \_Aside.'\ Weak-witted fool ! 

The trick 
You teach me how to clip a friend, will serve, 
Or I mistake, to slake a foe. Let 's see. 
To be where I can watch, and when Swend falls 
Let fly an arrow to drink Ivar's soul ! 
*T were shrewd, and easy too. I '11 do 't. — Good 

friend, 
I have bethought me, and I like your scheme. 
You are my father's sister's son, and so 
Congenial to the throne whose dignity 
A meaner quality would mar. Your hand ! 
To gain a brother in a cousin's loss 
Is worth contriving. 

IVAR. 

Mine 's the greater gain. 



98 THE VIKING. 

HAROLD. 

Not so ; if our good plans run not amiss 
I loolv to find the larger profit mine. 

\_A remote liollo. 
And so you think when all is done, these Swedes 
Will lend obedience to Fenja? 

IVAK. 

The death will be a fault of chance, which we, 
With swelling voices and o'erflowing eyes, 
Will more lament than they. Still, I have thought 
It would advantage us to kill some knave 
As he had done the monstrous deed. And then — - 

\_Hollo nearer, 

HAROLD. 

I like your cunning. You would say ? 

IVAR. 

And then 
We might appease their grief by such display 
In funeral of Swend as would to us 
Bind close their wonder and regard. 

HAROLD. 

Well thought. 
I hold you in unshared respect. Indeed, 
You have the qualities would make a king 
Excelling me, were I to pass away. 

[" Harold ! " is called ojf. 



THE VIKING. 99 

[ Turning.'] What now ? 
Who runs a bellow in such headlong haste ? 

[_Enter a runner. 

RUNNER {kneeling) . 
Most mighty Harold ! 

HAROLD. 

Nay ; speak when you can. 
You *ve lost more breath in clamor than in speed. 

[^Enter Eyvind, left. 
Fie, Uncle ; you are laggard of sweet time. 
That pace will never see my sister wed. 

EY\aND. 

Stood but her marriage on my pace, my lord, 
My feet should root themselves where now I stop. 

IVAR. 

I would the gods could make a tree of you. 

eyvind. 
So would I, were you the fruit hung on me. 

HAROLD (aside). 
There is a notion. Might not men be hung ? 

RUNNER. 

I do implore you, hear me, mighty king. 



100 THE VIKING. 

HAROLD. 

AVell, spill your tattle. What is 3^0111- report? 

RUNNER. 

A strange, dread rumor comes with one who says 
The blue sea, bathing in the morning sun. 
Is white and dark with many sailing ships 
Full-headed for us. 

EYViND {starting aside) . 

Hafthor ! Surely 't is ! 
For I, in faith, do not believe him dead. 
If 't is he, 't were well they not j^i know. 

HAROLD {to IvAr). 

This news alarms me. 

EYVIND. 

I have seen the spell. 
This fellow but reports a fantasy ; 
It is a trick of nature or the gods. 
Sometimes I have looked upon the glassy stretch. 
And seen a fearful army camped, as though 
The stayless waters were a plain. 'T is naught. 

IVAR. 

Be not deceived. This is no trick of sight. 
Some rash adventure threatens us. 



THE VIKING. 101 

HAROLD. 

No doubt ! 
\To rumierr^ Go you to Thord, — speak not to 

any else, — 
And bid him marshal forth his men in arms 
And march them to the wood anigh the coast. 
But, mark you, tell him not the cause. 

\Exit runner. 
Uncle, 
Lead on, I '11 follow. 

EYVIND. 

Whither shaU I lead? 

HAROLD. 

Where were you bound ? 

EYVIND. 

I think it was to see my niece befouled. 

HAROLD. 

You trade upon your beard and kin too far ; 
My ears have heard too many gibes from you. 
Be warned, good uncle, treason is a thing 
Propinquity does not excuse, nor age ! 

EYVIND. 

If my true words are treason, strike ! To die 
For hating and denouncing wrong is but 
To win the favor of the gods. 



102 THE VIKIXG. 

ITAR. 

Stop not, 
My lord, to wrangle with a dotard now. 
There 's matter of more moment to be done. 

HAROLD. 

It was for that I sought to send him on. 

He plays the braggart with me, knowing well 

I would not harm him out of love. 

EYTIND. 

Your love. 
My nephew, as it seems to me, is less 
Secm-ity than your indifference. 
And fai* less profitable than your hate. 

HAROLD. 

I will not quarrel with you further. Go ! 

S^Exit ErvrsT). 

IVAR. 

TVill he not play the messenger to Swend 
And make alarm of rumor ? 

HAROLD. 

"Wrong him not. 
He might indeed be glad to see me checked. 
And hold his tongue when speaking were my help ; 
But he wiU not be active to my hurt. 
Enough of him. Look to your plan. These ships, 
Whatever they portend, cannot disgorge 



THE VIKING. 103 

Their stomachs on us ere the afternoon. 
AVe 've time enough to do what we propose, 
And still prepare for battle, if the gods 
Have blown a foe against us. Would it were 
A fleet of Danish dogs ! 'T would save us much. 

IVAR. 

What other can it be ? 

HAROLD. 

I do not know ; 
And yet I cannot hope such fortune mine 
To meet detested Denmark sword to sword, 
Nor be at pains to seek him. 

IVAR. 

He it is, 
Beyond debate. 

HAROLD. 

Then will we glut the gods 
With slaughter, — for these Danes shall land 

unchid ; 
And when between my armies and the sea 
Their savage numbers crowd, let mercy die. 
And rival fmies strive for them, — the sea 
An hungered, and the sword athirst. Farewell. 
And when again we meet, let Swend be dead. 
And Denmark underfoot. 

IVAR. 

My share shall thrive. 



104 THE VIKING. 

HAROLD. 

And mine. But first to see these lovers wed, 
Since I, as priest, must seal the solemn bond. 
[Harold and Ivar exeunt severally. Persons at 
intervals cross from left to right, followed by a 
small band of warriors going to wedding. Enter 
Hafthor, attended by Eric, his armor-bearer. 

HAFTHOR. 

There 's some strange stir afoot. It cannot be 
They have espied our ships, for all bespeaks 
Some glad occasion, not alarm of war. 

ERIC. 

The earth is quick with men in panoply, 

And yet it seems for sport. "What god's day this? 

HAFTHOR. 

None Norway cares to keep. 'T is more than that. 

ERIC. 

1 now perceive the wisdom of your plan 
To land at night, and put our ships about 
To ride full sail at anchor. 

HAFTHOR. 

strategy 
Is of ttimes better than a host. As 't is, 
These dull Norwesfians will advance to shore 



THE VIKING. 105 

To trip our landing, whereupon will we 
From out our woody hiding circle down, 
And prod them at advantage. 

ERIC. 

And for mirth, — 
For I detect some humor in the trick. 

HAFTHOR. 

Mirth ! My brother soldier, — for you are still 
More friend than underling, — learn now, 
I never thought of war with more regret. 
With deeper sorrow in regret. For note : 
Of all the swarm that peoples Norway's top 
There are but two who slant from my regard. 
While all the rest have loved me and been loved. 

ERIC. 

But did you not beg our King Harold's aid 
To clip these Norsemen ? Are we not arrived 
At your request? And are you not, besides. 
Bedecked as next lieutenant to the king ? 
A strange address to conquest is regret. 

HAFTHOR. 

The heart is camp for wide emotions, friend ; 
And opposites range close beside. I loved, 
And therefore ready hated ; but on hate 
Love lays subduing hand. I could forego 
All glories of the fight to feel the breath 



106 THE VIKING. 

Of one slight creature play upon my cheek ; 
To steal my fingers through her golden hair, 
And hear her heart make music with m}^ own. 
I think, until our horde surged on the coast, 
There was no other purpose in my mind, — 
Slaughter was but contingent chance, — but now 
In all the dispositions of the Danes 
'T is plain to see, the chief concern is blood. 

ERIC. 

And should we have our trouble all for naught, 
Returning to our women snug at home 
With no more booty than a dawdling girl ? 

HAFTHOR. 

Judge you the tortive way to yon bleak crag 
That thrusts its head defiant to the sun?- 

ERIC. 

It is a startling height. 

HAFTHOR. 

I chmbed there once 
To fetch the ware-hawk's young ; for what, think 
you? 

ERIC. 

I '11 not believe, a girl. 

HAFTHOR. 

'T was so, indeed. 
But doubt not I will do my duty. No ; 



THE VIKING, 107 

I 'm not more love-sick than a soldier should. 
Well, let 's along. I did but tarry here 
In memory of other days, — for here, 
When eveniug was aglow with rosy light 
Slipped from the lingering sun, we 've sat at ease 
Among the sacred plants, and imaged things 
The future should make real. Before the shrine 
Where even now the scattered flowers of peace 
Declare that service has been done to-day, 
We 've knelt to mingle prayers, and raised our eyes 
To catch the hoped-for smile on Baldur's face. 
There is the god, and — Death and judgment! 

What! 
Upon his arm ! Look you ! Lend me your eyes. 
A twining bracelet of whipped gold ! My own ! 
My gift ! My solemn troth to her ! Her pledge ! 
False treachery ! Deceitful cheat ! Lewd lie ! 
Oh, turn the purple of my blood to gall. 
Fill me top full of venomed hate, ye gods ! 
And take your cause that I despoil ye thus ! 
\Snaicli(i8 bracelet from the arm of Baldur, and in 
doing so flings down the image. 

ERIC. 

What horror have you done ? Great Odin, roused. 
Will rive our souls with thunderbolts. Hence ! 
Hence ! 

HAFTHOR. 

I 've done a direful thing, but will not fly ; 
Besides, the gods are potent there as here. 



108 THE VIKING. 

Nor do I care what ill they heap on me ; 
I 've lived the whole of life in this one hour, 
Been green in hope and withered in despair. 
But now some other than myself, new lived, 
There stalks, inviting on the grizzled shape 
I know twin brother to my soul, — Revenge ! 
Hate and Revenge ; their lodging here ! 

ERIC. 

The gods — 

HAFTHOR. 

Do I not live ? The gods are temporal ; 

Indeed, I 've heard a story from the East 

Says they are cheats. And they have played with 

me. 
Where all my dearest, fondest fancies were. 
Turning to sport their steadfast servitor. 
Maybe for that I cooled my thoughts toward them 
With ardent longing for a thing of earth. 
The gods have sent this blight to chasten me. 
And yet I loved her holily, nor failed 
To raise to Asgard momently my thanks 
To all the gods conjunctive, that their will 
Had lent me such a jewel to be worn. 
Why then should they transform their precious gift 
Into a noisome plague to shrink my life, 
And twist my soul into a knotted spleen 
'Gainst all the one-time virtues which now seem 
The smiling treachery that damns belief? 



THE VIKING. 109 

Oh, Eric, I am set against myself, 

Now burning for revenge, now wishing death ! 

ERIC. 

Before my fears my nimble thoughts took flight. 
(I fear no man ; but anger of the gods 
Is something other.) In your rage, my fear, 
May it not chance we 've done some creature wron^ 



? 



HAFTHOR. 

That is to say ? 

ERIC. 

Who paints your leman false ? 
Who but yourself has found attaint in her ? 
Might not this trinket have been wrest from her ? 

HAFTHOR. 

There is a thought worth all my wealth, if true. 
Come ! Let 's to proof, good friend ! 
\Slarts forward., and confronts Ivar, entering hur- 
riedly. Both draw swords. 

Now, Ivar, now ! 
And by my lustihood ! upon your truth 
Your life hangs fencible. Resolve me this, — 
What goes apace? To what rejoicing work 
Is Norway lent to floral-deck the earth ? 

IVAR. 

Your own doubts answer you. I am in haste. 



110 THE VIKING. 



HAFTHOR. 



You shall not stir. 



IVAR. 

I pray you let me hence. 
Fair battle is a Nor'nian's joy ; but now 
King Harold lies at adverse odds, because 
He thinks your Danes are snuggled in their ships, 
Whereas they swarm to landward of his host. 
Yonder he comes in trooping pageant now. 
Let me to warn him. 

HAFTHOR. 

Who is wed ? 



Fenja. 



IVAR. 



HAFTHOR. 

Who drave this thing along ? 

IVAR. 

Her own request. 

HAFTHOR. 

So ! Then she weds for liking ? 

IVAR. 

Something such, 
Though liking more his crown than her new lord. 



THE VIKING. Ill 

HAFTHOR. 

A crown ! Then do you say that Swend has come 
While whipping gales have stayed me out of course ? 

IVAR. 

Whatever thing delayed you, 't was no harm. 
Her wanton heart, not vagrant wind, cheats you. 

HAFTHOR. 

Wretch ! that to torture me would slander her ; 
That hate-shot lie bites at my sword. Prepare ! 
For in the air whatever haggard fiend 
Is dam of you, yearns to possess your soul. 

\_Mu8iG is faintly heard off. 

IVAR. 

Eash fool ! Were you preponderate to my sword. 
An hundred blades avenging are at hand. 

HAFTHOR. 

These wind-taught trees that murmur so of peace 
Are native bulwarks to my tithe of Danes 
Who love their chief. Blanch for yourself, not me ; 
I 've men to match with Harold's knaves ; I 'm 
yours. 

IVAR. 

I tell you, Hafthor, if all life's rewards 
Were crammed into my hand a holden thing, 
I 'd slack my grasp, and let the bauble slip 
To have your head my prize. 



112 THE VIKING. 

HAFTHOR. 

Here 's for it, then ! 
\_They fight. Iyar falls severely wounded. 

IVAR. 

Spare not ! My hurt is past all medicine. 
Strike, butcher, strike ! 

HAFTHOR. 

That I will not. My sword 
Has never yet drunk helpless blood. [To P^ric.J 

Here, friend. 
Unloose him. \^Aside.^ He is touch of kin to her. 
Though no more like to her than hawk to dove. 
Oh, that these counter pangs would burst my heart ! 
[Eric bends over Ivar. As music comes near, 
Hafthor withdraws a little aside, keeping to 
right, and stands regarding approaching proces- 
sion. Ejiter girls in ivhite, strewing fioioers along 
the way, followed by harpers. These cross and 
exeunt, and Hafthor takes stage doivn centre, 
and stands luith folded amis as Fenja comes in on 
a black horse, led by slaves, followed by Harold 
and SwEND, ivalking together. When nearly 
across the stage, Fenja hears Harold speak, 
turns and sees and recognizes Hafthor, and 
with a cry slips to the ground. She runs and 
falls at Hafthor's feet. Warriors fill the right 
stage. 



THE VIKING. 113 

HAROLD. 

Is not that Hafthor? Can it be? How come? 

\_Advancing, is stopped by a voice, 

A VOICE. 

Baldur has fallen ! Look where Baldur lies ! 

Woe come to Norway with this god o'erthrown ! 

\_Tlie people turn and see the prostrate image, and 
sink down in terror or flee, Harold and others 
gather round the altar to raise the image, 

VOICES. 

Woe ! Woe to Norway ! 

HAROLD. 

Peace ! Norway lives in Norway's king secure ! 

FENJA. 

If you are spirit, fashioned like my love, 
Or are my love in truth, speak some sweet word 
To cheer this sink of death within my breast. 
Give to my heart a moment's throb of joy, 
Though it may hear reproaches in your voice. 

HAFTHOR. 

Could you betray me thus ? 

Was there no worth in woman, power in charms, 
No fear of gods who hate a lie, to hold 
You faithful for a little time, though pledged 
Free-hearted to long love ? 
8 



114 THE V/A'LVG. 



FEXJA. 



I thought you dead ; 
My hawk, you gave it me in youth, returned 
With woful token you were drowned. 

HAFTHOR. 

How so, 

"When I despatched him fairly with good cheer? 
It is a woman's trick to first betray. 
Then brazen out her guilt with lies ! But now 
I had a thought to love you ; whereas now 
I waver 'twixt frail pity and despite. 

FENJA. 

The gods do know I speak the truth. 

ivAR {to Hafthor) . 

And I ! 
If death wait on this wound, it gives me joy 
To know I earned it doing harm to you. 
I plucked your jocund message from the wing, 
And feathered out your bird with my ill tale. 

FENJA. 

Oh, 't was a cruel thing indeed to do. 

HAFTHOR. 

But not more cruel than my doubt of you, 
Nor that I leave you humbled at my feet. 
This talisman ? 



THE VIICnVG. 115 

FENJA. 

That Ivar wrenched from me 
The wintry day you fled, and gave the king, 
Who wound it round, a consecrated gift 
To Baldur's sacred arm. 

HAFTHOR {taking Fenja in his arms) . 
My fasting heart 
Will not be stayed by custom. Though a queen, 
And in the presence of your lord, my love 
Bids me awhile remember you are mine. 

\_Kisses her. 

KING SWEND (advancing). 
What is this juggle 'fore my eyes ? Bold knave ! 
Thy stripling sword shall answer my gray brand ! 

IIAFTHOR. 

Thine or any. Come ! [CaZ/s.] Denmark and 
revenge ! 

HAROLD. 

Strike him to earth ! profaner of the gods ! 

l^Cries of ^^ Denmark and Revenge.'' 
Strike, Ivar, strike ! and, slaves, seize on yon girl ! 



HAFTHOR. 



Denmark and revenge ! 



116 THE VIKING. 

[Eric springs to the side of Hafthor, and against 
tliem come Swend, Harold, and Ivar. Haf- 
thor continues to defend Fenja, ivinning his 
way tcith her. The other ivomen exeunt with 
clamor. The Swedes and Norwegians turn and 
prepare for resistance. The Danes sweep on in 
overwhelming numbers. Ivar fcdls. Harold 
and SwEND, fighting, give way to the 7ight, and 
the battle becomes general. 



let jfonxt% 

Scene. — Aii interior, level loitli the growid. Conventional, 
with arched ivindoio above steps, left, through which 
Fenja views a portion of the battle. Several loomen 
up stage. Gurth sits one side disconsolately leaning 
on his harp. Eyvind moves about, upbraiding himself 
for ike infirmities of age. 

EYVIND. 

Age is the usury of 3'Outh, the foil 
Of circumstance, the sport of fate, the toy 
Of gods, the babbling folly of stale life. 
Here, when our country's chance is desperate. 
Do you and I with these f rocked cattle whinny, 
No longer counted fit to herd with men ! 
Counsels, forsooth ! My only counsels once 
Were whisp and swash of sword, and flash of 

lance. 
And song of arrow darting from the bow ! 
I am ashamed, old Gurth, to stroke the beard 
That danced behind my ears in other time, 
When none were swifter in the fight than I. 

GUKTH. 

There is no poverty like memory 
Of worth that is no more. I, too — 



118 THE VIKING. 

EYYIND. 

I know ; 
We were io prime together. But, grown old, 
Our valiant deeds slip from the minds of men 
As frost-nipped leaves from trees. No fortune 

worse 
That may befall a man than, once esteemed, 
To live for fools' contempt. 

\Enter Thord. 

GURTH. 

So have you not. 

EYVIND. 

I do despise myself ; and who would that. 
But is a fool? Ah, good, brave lad ! What news? 
How run affairs, and who holds best the odds? 
Be brief and quick to tell me. Do j^ou bleed? 

THORD. 

I have no hurt, yet wonder I escaped, 

Who am so young in battle and engaged 

So many practised arms. I cannot say 

With whom the tide of favor runs, and yet 

I fear 't is not with us. The very earth 

Seems teeming with these Danes, so thick they 

swarm. 
They swept upon our ranks as they had been 
The beating billows of an angry sea. 
And left the valley and the mountain side 
Strewn with the bloody corses of their foes. 



THE VIKING. 119 

EYVIND. 

That were a sight to see though eyes were old ! 
What do you from the midst ? 

THORD. 

There is a truce 
That both the armies have an hour declared ; 
Which time I have employed, though losing hope, 
In quest to learn if Eysa lives unharmed. 
I could not fight were she perchance cut off ; 
I coald not cease to fight were she enslaved ! 

EYVIND. 

She is not here. 

THORD. 

I '11 seek her elsewhere, then. 
[Enter Hafthor, conducting Fenja. Thord and 
Hafthor draio siuords and stand for a mo- 
ment confronted. Then Thord thrusts hack 
his sword. Hafthor follows his example. 

THORD. 

If all the Danes were Hafthor, and in him 
AVere centred all of Norway's foes, my hand 
Would lack the heart to strike the rightful blow. 

HAFTHOR. 

And were all foes to Hafthor like to Thord 
Thus would he haste to play the enemy. 



120 THE VIKING. 

[Hafthor liolds open his arms. They embrace. 
Fenja crosses behind Hafthor and Thord to 
Eyvind, ivho kisses her forehead. Gurth comes 
humbly forward and kisses the hand Fenja ex- 
tends to him. 

HAFTHOR. 

Sweet custom made us friends, not ill chance 

foes. 
I thought the rivers of my eyes were dry ; 
But through the mist that dear affection breeds 
I see you fondly, — though in truth, this dew 
Is rather more the tempering of love 
Than friendship's tribute. Here 's the gentle 

spring. \_Pointing to Fenja. 

THORD. 

And how much happier she glows than when, 

Myself more glad than now, I saw her last. 

[To Fenja.] I wed for joy, you for a taste of 

woe ; 
But in the issue these were changed, for now 
You smile and I — I only cannot weep. 

eyvind (to Hafthor). 
"Welcome, my dear, sweet lord ! 

hafthor. 

Well met, Eyvind ! 



THE VIKING. 121 

FENJA {to ThORd) . 

You see before you Tvhere my woe found smiles. 
Where lies the secret of your grief ? 

THORD. 

With her, 
Wherever Eysa is. For since the morn 
When rude alarm of war infringed the bliss 
That your persuasion led her to bestow, 
Mischance, or — what I die but thinking on — 
Foul lot, has wrenched her from me. 

HAFTHOR. 

Take cheer, then ; 
Trim your brows to gladness, let your dulled eyes 
Dance with young merriment, — for she is safe ! 

THORD. 

You know, then, where she is? 

FENJA. 

She might be found. 

THORD. 

1 pray you tell me where ! 

HAFTHOR. 

Why, look you, now. 
How wild of patience is this youth, whose arms 
Have hardly dipt his dearest friend, yet would. 
Though we who part may part for time, extend 
To clasp some truant girl ! 



122 THE VIKING. 

THORD. 

Nay, mock me not, 
For though I 've missed her but an afternoon. 
My heavy fears have made it seem an age. 

FENJA. 

Go seek her, then, where she, as sad for you, 
Strains tear-foiled vision in the hope to spy 
Her lord among the surging mass. Her stand 
Is by that hillock-throned oak — 

TIIORD. 

I know — 
[Pausing, to Hafthor.] And yet, now that my 

doubts are happily liown, 
I cannot go before my constant hand 
Has felt again the pressure of your own, 
Since, as you say, though I hope better things, 
This parting may be our good-by for time ! 

HAFTHOR {hand on heart) . 
I will not loose some thoughts lie pleading here. 
That well might pass 'twixt friends in lazy hours, 
But which are over-tender, much too fond 
For stirring tunes like these. Farewell! Fare- 
well ! 
And if the god of war, best knowing best. 
Set seal upon your life or mine, who lives 
Will know he lost a friend, — a rooted friend. 
Worth half the pangs of life to win. 



THE VIKING. 123 

EYVIND {to FeNJA). 

Sweet niece, 
This snowy hand that lies within my grasp 
Is cold and shudders. 

THORD {to HaFTHOr) . 

You have said my speech. 

FENJA {to EyVIND). 

His words have chilled my heart forebodingly. 

EYVIND. 

Tush ! shall we then hang death on sentiments ? 

THORD {to HaFTHOr) . 

Note how my tongue does falter from my will, 
And cheat my inward longing. Read my thought 
In what my hand imparts. Again, farewell ! 
And if we meet in combat — 

HAFTHOR. 

If we do. 
Our swords shall be as loyal as our hearts. 
Nor touch with kisses in false blows. Farewell ! 
We must be soldiers in contempt of hearts. 

THORD. 

Farewell ! And you, my friends ! \Offering lmnd7\ 

FENJA. 

Farewell, brave Thord ! 



124 THE VIKING. 

EYYIND. 

Gods grant I may not see this ruddy face 

Too pale, though scars and wounds are monuments. 

THORD {going) . 
A viking dreads not death. Farewell to all ! 

\_Exit hurriedly. 



o 



GURTH {to HaFTHOR). 

Do you remember me, young sir ! 

HAFTHOR. 

In heart, 
Old minstrel, not less truly than in mind. 
Have I not played with you o' summer nights 
When nature quit her hum of life to hear ; 
Or, idling where the wintry logs blazed bright, 
Caught from your skilful fingers some new trick? 
I do remember you, and thinking so. 
Miss what I was. 

GURTH. 

Then you remember, too. 
The stars were books to me from which I drew 
The curious wonderment of things to come, — 
Though you alone of all who listened me 
Believed I read aright. 

HAFTHOR. 

You told some truths 
That stood their timeful testing. 



THE VIKING. 125 

GURTH {kneeling), 

Eive my tongue, 
That I may gibber without power of words 
To give my thought expression, for last night 
I read an omen. Would I had been blind 
Before my eyes were lifted up ! 

HAFTHOR. 

Say on. 
What was 't you saw ? 

GURTH. 

That selfsame shining spot 
Which stood among the wastes of night for you, 
Flamed with a sudden splendor, then went out, 
Suiting its office to the sullen gloom ; 
A sign 1 have observed these three-score years, 
When one in prime should die by violence ! 

ETV^IND. 

What ! Turned raven in your last babyhood, 
Croaking the visions seen in drunken sleep ? 
Out upon you ! I thought you better framed ! 

HAFTHOR. 

Not so roughly, Eyvind. Kindly hand him. 
But look again, old Gurth, and see 
My star as bright as ever yet it shone. 

GURTH (sadly). 
'T will shine, indeed, but redder than before. 



126 THE VIKING. 



EYVIND. 



Away ! I '11 set you down to barter dreams 
Among these telltale women. 

FENJA {to HaFTHOR). 

Oh, my love ! — 
Though not my lord in custom, — heed his words ; 
They are not echoes from an empty house, 
For there is knocking at my jealous breast 
Still gives them confirmation. Go not forth 
To tempt again the fury of the fight 
From which you now have 'scaped with hardy zeal. 
The rather come with me to Odin's shrine. 
Where we together kneeling will implore 
The pardon of high Asgard. Pray j^ou, do. 
The gods are angry for the impious act 
Whereby you did offence to Baldur. Come. 
There safety dwells for you ; for me, content. 
[GuRTH, sitting on low stool, the women around 
him, plays softly. 

HAFTHOR. 

And do you, Fenja, counsel me to play 

The coward's part, to hide a craven head 

That fears to brook the frown it raised? No, girl. 

I think the mighty gods live not in stone 

More than in man, and find their best delights 

In valiant doings and in loyal hearts. 

Great Odin's self, before he was a god. 

Performed a hero's work, and so became 



THE VIKING. 127 

The chief divinity of fearless men. 
He would not pardon me afraid, nor yet 
Would you esteem me trembling for my life. 
Though bound to you by every tender tie, 
New pledged to you with every healthful throb. 
My heart beats more for honor than for love, 
And follows duty though she lead to death ! 

FENJA. 

Is there no honor but the bruit of arms ? 
Is there no duty but to slay your foes ? 
Are there no other gods than wrathful Tyr ? 
I know you brave, for I have seen you brave ; 
I know you loyal, for you 've proved j^ourself . 
But I would see you tender, merciful, 
Holding for me the life that is my own, — 
For on your life my life depends. Speak not ; 
What dwells in woman's soul the thought of man. 
Though aged in wisdom, cannot penetrate. 
Love feeds in man on passion, valor, pride, — 
He loves not what he cannot boast to love ; 
But love in woman is her very life, — 
The breath of morning and the dews of night, — 
And when she loves despairing of her love. 
Like flowers bereft of nourishment she droops. 
Pales in her isolation, and expires ! 
You gave yourself to me when I, a girl. 
Had but a truant slight esteem of love ; 
But since my woman's heart has suffered grief, 
And levity been purged away with tears. 



128 THE VIKING. 

I see with knowing eyes where lies my strength, 
And as a vested right I claim from you 
The fortune of that life wherein I live ! 

EYViND (aside to Gurth) . 
I go to steal a look abroad. Stay you. lExit.^ 

HAFTHOR. 

Man lives for good of man, not self-delight ! 

I know it was for you I did exchange 

The grateful harp to grasp revengeful sword. 

I feel beneath my corselet there abides 

More willingness to love than wish to fight ; 

But rule of tranquil days concerns not war, 

And though my soul may linger where yDu are, 

Myself must face the field. Ah, droop not so ! 

Think not my heart is harder than it is. 

If I might step among Walhalla's host 

Of mighty men whom time has snatched from 

earth. 
And be the chief of that most grand array, 
I 'd not, so much I prize you more than fame, 
Secure that glory, should I so lose you. 
But mortal honor is a thing so chaste 
It may not glance aside without a stain. 
The recreant crawls on the scorn of time. 
Not more despised than by himself abhorred. 
A\^ould proud and loyal Fenja stoop to love 
A soldier who lacked honor to be true ? 



THE VIKING. 129 

FENJA. 

I am not versed in art to answer you ; 

I only know I love, and to my love 

Would sacrifice all else of relished life. 

Are you so cold because the envied prize 

Was easier won than you had thought 't would be ? 

Have I lost zest since by the lot of war 

You may proclaim me slave — 

HAFTHOR {interfupting) . 

Most cruel thought ! 
Most unkind Fenja, so to speak ! Nay, sweet ; 
I will be what you will. Control my course. 

\^Throws sivord on couch, 
I '11 fling away my father's sword, and we. 
Turning our backs upon the peopled world. 
Will seek some corner of the earth where love 
May thrive in secret, unabashed by thought 
That where men swarm my name is coupled close 
With most extreme disdain. What will we care 
How men will think when we have quit their 
haunts ! 

FENJA. 

You mock me. 

HAFTHOR. 

No, I mock you not. I yield. 
I take you at your word that love is all. 

[Enter Eyvind hurriedly. 
9 



130 THE VnaNG. 

"VYe will lay down our honor and our pride, — 
For they are things put on to please the world. 

[Hafthor extends hand and offers to go. Fenja, 
unheeding^ looks upon the ground, 

EYViND {excitedly). 
You have much overstayed your time, young sir. 
The truce is over and the fight renewed ; 
And like the leaping billows of the main 
Raging before the wind, they roll this way, 
Both armies intermingled. 

\_After a momentary excitement^ Hafthor is calm, 
GuRTH and the ivomen confused. 

HAFTHOR (taking Fenja's hand). 

Peace, old man ; 
You babble things that were. My weary soul 
Pines for repose from doing. 

EYVIND. 

What, not fight ! 
Not put your sword and sinews to their proof ! 
Incredible to think, does Hafthor fear ? 

FENJA {to Hafthor, moving to couch and taking 

up sword.) 
Go forth. Love is not all. They who are true 
Must honor where they love. 

\_Oiving sicord to Hafthor. 



THE VIKING. i31 

HAFTHOK. 

Now, by my sword ! 
Am I repaid for all my faith in you. 
I knew you what you are, proud, uoble, true ! 
I '11 live to thank you for this act. Farewell ! 

\Kis8Qs Fenja and exit hurriedly. 

EYYIND. 

Be not too lavish with your kisses. Niece ; 
'T is not so certain how 't will end, and 3'ou, 
Unless young Hafthor holds you with his brand, 
Are bride to Sweden's lord. 

FENJA. 

Sir, do you think 
For what I did believing Hafthor dead, 
I will estate me, knowing that he lives? 
Hafthor 's my lord, however fares the fight ; 
Or if he be not — 

EYVIND. 

Well, what else? Have care. 
Lose not your brother from your count. 



FENJA {showing dagger). 

Nor this ! 



EYVIND. 

A most unsightly thing in woman's hand. 
Give 't me. 



132 THE VIKING. 

FENJA. 

Not yet. My true love 's proctor this, 
'Gainst which not even brothers may command. 

EYSA {entering hurriedly) . 
Oh, my darling lady ! [Embracing.'] 

FENJA. 

Sweet sister ! You weep ! 
What evil fortune do these tears forerun ? 

ETSA. 

We are undone by these most savage Danes, 
'Fore whom our vikings disappear as grass 
Before the browsing herd. They 're alLin flight. 
And as they run the foe smites them with death. 

FENJA (aside). 
Horrible ! And my accusing terror 
Lays the blame upon my wilful soul. 



EYViND (at ivindow) 
It is a fearful thino; to see. 



Gods! 



EYSA (to FeNJA). 

Go look, 
If you would have your eyes like mine, weep 
blood! 



THE VIKING. 133 

FENJA. 

Though nature sicken at the sight, I '11 look. 

EYviND (descending). 
Nay, do not so. 

FENJA. 

Deny me not. My will 
Is stronger than my fears. Lend me your hand. 
[^Takes Eyvind's hand and mounts steps to window. 
Eyvind stands beside her. Fenja looks a mo- 
ment in silence. 

ETSA. 

This day fills up the woe of Norway quite. 
Would I were underneath their rushing feet, 
If so I might find Thord ! 

EYVIND (to Fenja) . 

You shake with fear. 
I pray you be advised ; there 's danger there. 
Descend into the room. 

FENJA (looking out) . 

My veins are chilled 
"With the cold horror of the bloody scene. 
Nor can my startled eyes give shape to men, 
Massed like some writhing monster self-destroyed ! 
I know not which are friends, so close impact 
Are slayers and the slain. There is a break ! 



134 THE VIKING. 

The moving bulk has stopped. Those in retreat 
Have turned to fight as though they do despair 
Of safe escape, and mean to sell their lives 
At dearest price. They gain some backward way ! 
But now they 're forced again ! I see the plume 
My brother wears. 'T is he ! he strives to check 
The tide of fell disaster. Ne'er till now 
Have I beheld him kingly ; but he towers 
Majestic where he fights. Oh, gods, what now ! 
One comes against him that I know. Yes, 't is, — 
'T is Hafthor's self encounters him full tide ! 
Such stroke of swords ! I am afraid to look, 
But dare not else. So noble both appear, 
And yet so deadly fearful, friend and foe 
Stand locked from action, wondering to see 
Their mighty leaders so engaged ! Oh,^gods ! 
Is Haf thor fallen so ? He 's up again 
And lays such rapid blows his shining sword 
Is like a halo in the sun. Look now ! 
My brother yields, his strength declines, his sword 
Strikes heavily and slow ; he stumbles, falls. 
Oh, spare him, Hafthor ! put him not to death ! 
He holds his sword aloft ! The gods be thanked. 
He lets my brother live ! They bind him fast ; 
And over all there is a sudden hush, — 
A deathlike stillness, as the fight were done. 
But there 's old Swend, who was my purchased lord. 
Steps forth and fits an arrow to his bow. 
{Turning 7}^ Eysa, mount with me; there is no 
terror now. 



THE VIKIiXG. 135 

Peace has come. {Cries out and falls.^ 'T was 
Swend ! 

[Fenja falls into the arms o/Eyvind, wJw talces in 
his hands the shaft of an arrow snatched from 
her breast. Fenja is borne to conchy Eysa and 
the women gathering around her. 

EYSA. 

In holy ruth 
Inform me what has chanced ! Darling Fenja ! 
If she be in swoon— What! Look you! She 

bleeds ! 
Oh! Came that arrow from her breast? Sweet 

girl ! 

[Eysa kneels down by Fenja. 

EYVIND. 

Speak to me, Fenja, for I quake to see 
The lily wonder of your skin so stained ; 
You are not but a little hurt? No worse? 

FENJA. 

I think it touched the core of life ! Ah, me I 
I did not hope to die ; but death were good 
Did it withhold till I might speak with him, 
And feel his lips — his look — his touch — 

EYTIND. 

She faints. 
Guard her full tenderly. Stanch close the wound. 
I '11 look beyond for medicines. \_Exit^ left. 



136 THE VIKING. 

EYSA. 

Dear friend, 
Most darling lady, look not so composed, 
The very counterpart of what we fear. 
There is no tremor of her heart. I doubt 
If any wistful spark of life remain. 

\_Bows^ iceeping. 

\_T1ie tvomen surround, concealing couch. Enter 
Hafthor ivitJi drawn sword, followed by Eric, 
guarding Harold hound, Thord, and severed 
others. Hafthor goes to throne chair, ichich he 
mounts, smiting the top with his sword. 

HAFTHOR. 

In Denmark's name, and for great Denmark's 

king, 
I seize on Norway as the prize of arms. 
And, for I know him faithful, capable, 
I name, till such good time as Denmark speaks, 
Young Thord of Norway to be Norway's jarl. 
Kneel you, and you who late were Norwaj^'s king. 

[ They kneel. Hafthor touches sivord to the head 
of Harold, then to Thord's. 

hafthor. 
Thus passes majesty from one to one 
As lightly as we breathe a sigh. Arise ! 

FENJA. 

Hafthor ! 



THE VIKING. 137 

HAFTHOR. 

Who calls so faintly on my name? 
[ne ii^omen move apart, revealing couch and Eysa 
hneeling beside Fenja. 

FENJA. 

Haf thor ! 

HAFTHOR. 

Gods ! Am I turned to ice within, 
That I am struck so cold at heart? 

FENJA. 

Hafthor ! 
[Eysa rises, and Hafthor hastens to take ijlace, 
hneeling beside Fenja. Eysa goes tearfully to 
Thgrd, and flings herself upon his breast. 
Harold comes quickly and takes place behind 
couch. 

HAFTHOR. 

Most precious to my heart, how came this hurt? 
What cruel fortune touched you thus? You smile ! 
Then may my soul drink hope from your wreathed 
lips. 

FENJA. 

I did but wait your coming that my life 
Might leap into our parting kiss. Your lips. 

[Hafthor kisses her. Eyvind re-enters. 



138 THE VIKING. 

HAROLD. 

My little sister, speak to me. 

[Eric cuts his cords. 

FENJA. 

That voice — 
More tender than it ever spoke. Good-night, — 

[^Givirig her hand to Harold. 
For there is darkness round about me now. 
Hafthor, Harold, lead me forth. 
[_She dies. Hafthor cuid Harold kneel on either 
side, each holding one of her hands. 

HAROLD {after a pause) . 

She is dead. 
[Hafthor kisses her brow and rises. Harold 
continues kneeling. Eyvind, shoiving grief and 
as if sorely stricken, comes forward and takes 
the place vacated by Hafthor. 

HAFTHOR (aside). 
Shall I, who conquered Norway for her sake, 
Now live without her? Yet I may not yield 
To self-inflicted death without some shame. 
[^Suddenly.'] Ay ! there 's a way. [To Harold.] 

You need not be a slave. 
The sport and plaything of a foreign king, — 
For we were friends in youth — Nay, truth to say, 
For that I loved your sister, — ah, how well ! — 
I would not liave it so. Take chance with sword 
To gain the liberty 3''ou crave. 



THE VIKING. 139 

HAROLD. 

How SO? 

HAFTHOR. 

"We two will fight in equal combat here ; 
And if the god of fortune smile on you, 
Upon my troth you shall be free to go 
Whither your humbled hopes may lead. 

HAROLD. 

It is a noble offer. Let my sword 

Speak better than my tongue my thanks. My 
sword ! 

[Thord hands Jds siuord to Harold. Hafthor 
and Harold take position. Thord and Eric 
stand near. Eysa slips around back of couch, 
kisses Fenja, and then icatches to see the combat. 
Eyvind remains bowed, paying no heed. Gurth 
takes place near front with harp in front of him. 
After a pass or tivo, Hafthor lets fall his 
guard just as Harold makes a thrust, receiving 
Harold's sword in his breast. 

TiiORD {starting forward) . 
That was an unresisted stroke. 

hafthor {smiling) . 

Well struck. 
Your arm has strength. 



140 THE VIKING. 



HAROLD. 



I understand you now. 

You tricked me to your death. It was not just. 

[Thokd lialf supports Hafthor, hjIio wavers^ hut 
remains standing. Gurth half unconsciously 
touches his harp^ playing. Eyvind, dumb- 
founded^ arises and goes back of couch. 

HAFTHOR. 

You scorned to give her to me when glad life 
Was sportive in her dimpled cheeks ; but now 
Amend the wrong, and I will happier die 
Than ever in most joyous hour I lived. 
[^Struggles an instant^ then clas^os his hand to his 

side^ and recovers. 
My tawny ship lies there among the fleet, 
A golden dragon at her head. She came, 
My father told me, from the unknown sea. 
Full sailed to court the breeze, and yet unmanned ; 
Her spacious deck uncumbered, and her hold 
Unlined with trace of any former life. 
He first beheld her in the summer light 
That marked the mid-day calm, — the sea serene 
As face of sleeping pool ; yet on she moved, 
A thing of beauty and of life. A space. 
And from the prow there seemed to rise a flame 
That spread its arms and caught the sails and 

mast, 
And wrapped the vessel in a yellow cloak. 



THE VIKING. 141 

Whereat my father sighed that craft so fau- 

Should burn, thinking it the funeral bed 

Of some departed king. But, as he gazed, 

The yellow flame, as though an orb of light, 

Rolled from the ship into a ball of fire 

That fled along the surface of the sea ; 

Then, cleft in twain, it rose into the sky, 

As 't were two images, a man and maid, 

And vanished where the overhanging blue 

Shuts in the fields of Asgard. All amazed, 

My father turned from looking, and behold ! 

The ship lay moored before him. Such the tale. 

I think I read the omen in my fate ; 

And if I lie with this fair hapless maid 

Upon the mystic deck, my ship again 

Will sail into the unknown waiting sea. 

Where our two souls entwining will ascend 

Into the region of the gods. Do this ; 

Let our asundered lives unite in death. 

And all will be forgiven. \J)ks. 



THE END. 



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